The Pinhead Institute, a Smithsonian affiliate established in Telluride, has offered many free programs in the past to West End students, and beginning this summer it will begin offering a lot more. Made possible because of a grant from the Colorado Department of Education, the community should be aware than a range of free STEM programming is coming to Nucla starting now.
First is the STEAM Discovery Camp July 15-18. STEAM is a universal term that stands for “science, technology, engineering, art and math.” Jessica Tenenbaum, representative for Pinhead, told the Forum that three years of programming are starting now, and she wants the community to know these opportunities are ramping up for kids. She said it’s a great support for math and science development, as well as preparation for the state testing that happens every year. She said the work will be enriching for students and also engaging for family members too.
Math tutoring, NBA Math Hoops, Math Olympiads, robotics, family STEM nights and more will be announced in the near future, and all of the programs will be free.
Because of the recent grant, the Pinhead Institute was able to hire a full-time coordinator for the West End, something that’s not been done before. Now, Jeanna Jasperson is overseeing Pinhead for the West End. Jasperson, who graduated Nucla High School, worked in Montrose for 20 years teaching math, science and engineering; specifically she’s worked with middle school students. She’s also taught math intervention.
While the upcoming programs are for all students in all grades, the community will notice an emphasis in opportunities for kids in grades four through eight.
For the July STEAM Discovery Camp, the program is designed for fourth through eighth graders in the West End. But it’s not just Jasperson working with kids. At least three West End teachers from the new Nucla school are partnering to help oversee the July camp.
It takes places at Camp V, just down the road, at the intersection of Highway 141 and Highway 90.
The camp lasts from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. those days, and the cost is free to the families who sign up. Snacks and lunch are provided daily for the kids.
During camp, students will be investigating water quality, building prototypes and sculptures, measuring the height of a tree using a tree’s shadow, completing compass activities and learning to cook using a Dutch oven. Students will keep field journals and document their experience. When camp ends on the last day, students will have prepared a meal in the Dutch oven they’ll share with families that evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Their field journals will be on display too.
“We will study water quality, different measurement techniques, do art activities, nature sculpture using measurements, have a stick-tower challenge and work with efficiency ratios,” Jasperson said. “Math is incorporated into everything.”
Anyone who wants to enroll their student should register before July 12 by emailing jeanna@pinheadinstitute.org. She’ll send the registration form to those interested.
Jasperson, who’s back to living full-time in the West End, agreed her new role is exciting. A retired teacher, she’s back to working with youth and sharing her knowledge.
“It’s an exciting thing,” she said. “I love working with kids, I have a passion for the field of math and science, and it’s really been a perfect fit.”
She added that the Pinhead Institute is an important nonprofit that has much to give to local communities. She knows Pinhead, which exists through donations and grants, has done much for the Telluride community. She’s thrilled the institute now has “a new footprint in the West End.”
“We are so fortunate for that,” she said.
She also said she was grateful for Camp V for donating the venue for the STEAM Discovery Camp in July.
