fischertechnik Product Manager, Lance Zurek, worked closely with the Minnick Schools, the education division of Lutheran Family Services of Virginia, Grant Coordinator, Diane Merryman, to present the Minnick School system with 35 fischertechnik kits to be used for project-based STEM education programs. Minnick Schools specialize in educating special needs students with learning disabilities, behavioral issues and Autism. After using fischertechnik in the classroom, several teachers noticed positive reactions from their students. Lisa Milliken, Assistant Education Director of Education Services for Minnick Schools, stated:

“We have been delighted that students are achieving a better understanding of science, math, and engineering concepts, and using the vocabulary during discussions. Students are learning the difference between simple and complex machines with the hands-on activities provided. They are also learning about teamwork as they build projects together.”

Learning Tools for Special Needs Students

The importance of social learning as well as technical advancement is particularly important for students with special needs. Students with Autism benefit greatly from these foundational skills as it increases their chances of one day finding employment and/or living independently.  Linda Brinkley, a Science teacher at Wytheville Minnick School, reiterated the positive affects fischertechnik had in regards to her own classroom:

“They [fischertechnik] provide a visual tool for the students to see how different machines work, and bring to life conceptual information that is often difficult for students with disabilities to understand and retain.  It is also a great team building exercise for students who require instruction in social skills, and what we call “get along” skills.

We have had many ‘a-ha’ moments from our students as the model components within the kit allow the students to visually see and experience what a compound machine looks like and how it would make the work easier for a person.  By building the model they have a better understanding of the different simple machines used in a compound machine.”

Several other teachers in Minnick School system agreed with Mrs. Brinkley on fischertechnik’s ability to inspire social interaction and team building in their classrooms. This initiative aspires to bring innovative learning tools, like fischertechnik, to student groups of all levels. Over the coming months, Studica will continue to work closely with the educators at Minnick Schools to develop materials and methodology focusing on how fischertechnik can be used to help students with special needs learn in an engaging and intuitive manner. Beyond that, the partnership will create new tools for teaching various aspects of STEM in all classrooms, from K to 12 with the fischertechnik line.