Nanan STEM Academy Showcases Student Innovations at Annual Fair

The Nanan STEM Academy hosted its annual student fair at the Saskatchewan Science Centre, marking the fourth consecutive year of this engaging event. Students showcased their talents in various fields, including coding, robotics, video game design, 3D printing, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Co-founder Shaun Nanan expressed enthusiasm about the event, highlighting its role in enhancing students’ technological skills in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

During the event, Nanan emphasized the importance of combining technical skills with essential non-technical competencies. He stated, “They would learn things like math and creativity, logical sequencing, troubleshooting, coding, and resiliency.” This focus on skill development aims to boost students’ confidence, particularly in presenting their projects to the public. Nanan noted that many students who initially exhibit shyness gain confidence as they engage in interactive STEM activities, ultimately enhancing their leadership, collaboration, and communication abilities.

Encouraging Future Innovators

Abdurahman Honey, a student support assistant with Truly Alive, attended the fair to introduce younger students to the world of robotics. Honey, a second-year student at the University of Saskatchewan, shared his hope that exposure to robotics would ignite a lasting passion in the students. “It’s something fun that the kids have been doing, and I wanted to expose them to something that’s robotics-related,” he remarked. He believes the event serves as a crucial stepping stone for students, potentially leading to advanced applications and software development in the future.

Nanan expressed gratitude for the resources that have made such opportunities available to students. He highlighted that the Nanan STEM Academy organizes these events biannually, taking place in October and April, across various locations in Saskatchewan. This consistency allows students to continuously engage with STEM topics and develop their skills over time.

The fair not only celebrates student achievements but also fosters a collaborative environment where young innovators can thrive. As the event concludes, it reinforces the importance of nurturing the next generation of leaders in technology and entrepreneurship, equipping them with the skills necessary for future success.