Several years ago, Michael Hind from the Tri Cities Chamber of Commerce introduced Superintendent Patricia Gartland to Ryan Peterson of Finger Food Advanced Technology Group, a local technology company that was, at the time developing into a global technology innovator.
Mr. Peterson and Finger Food expressed interest in partnering with School District 43 to support technology education and Science, Technology, Engineering and Math learning – commonly referred to as ‘STEM’. This was the beginning of an amazing community partnership that resulted in the introduction of Sphero robotics equipment in schools.
Today, Spheros can be found in all of the district’s 46 elementary schools and provide students an introductory coding experience as well as an opportunity to practice the BC Core Competencies of Critical and Creative Thinking. Finger Food supported the program with donated equipment and expertise needed to develop teacher capacity. In turn, the School District assisted Finger Food with the development of effective classroom activities and a better understanding of how the Sphero can help students learn.
Photo By: Elaan Bauder