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These New York Kids Are The Future Of Technical Design

This article is more than 8 years old.

The right STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education at a young age makes a massive difference in what career a child goes on to pursue.

One New York City-based entrepreneur is transforming how that education is delivered, with a fantastic hands-on approach to learning and technology.

Kathy Larchian,the co-founder of Pensa - a Brooklyn-based product design and invention firm - is hosting a weekly after-school design and engineering lab for 10 to 13 year olds at the 92Y School, a non-profit community organization in NYC.

Key to the education is a smart invention by the firm, called DI Wire, which allows for simple creation of 2D mockups that can automatically, rapidly be turned into objects - the technology bends wire and steel of all sizes into all sorts of conceivable shapes, perfect for children’s creativity. The kids also work with a number of other materials and technologies.

“We found that not only does the DI Wire help professionals with prototyping and exploring new ideas, it also resonates with kids who are interested in learning to design and build something for themselves,” Larchian tells me.

From Bunny Ears To Swords

At festivals and fairs over recent months, kids have asked Larchian to make everything from play swords to bunny ears. “These kids were not at all distracted by our own designs or output. They made the leap as to how they would use our technology immediately, and really effectively. I was inspired, I was awed.”

Larchian hopes the kids will develop skills in design, an appreciation for the rigor involved, and a basic understanding of the tools and materials available to them. “Approaching a design problem involves willingness to try something completely different and the rigor is that it rarely works the way you originally planned,” she says.

By experiencing brainstorming, planning, testing out ideas, failing and troubleshooting, and engaging in constructive feedback from their peers and instructor, kids can learn about STEM - and leave with a product they designed and made.

Engaging Kids In Engineering And Creation

Larchian says it is vital to involve kids in STEM subjects from a young age. “They’re absorbing absolutely everything around them and making connections in how their own lives relate to these new things,” she states. “Starting at 10 is critical—before their bodies and social dynamics start to change so dramatically.

“The STEM experience not only builds confidence, it builds upon their own understanding and knowledge.”

She is especially keen to tackle a gender bias in the subjects, adding: “We need to encourage girls more towards learning STEM—and nine or ten is a great age for it.” Next month, Pensa will bring Girl Scouts into its labs to involve them in its design and production processes.

For Kids Who Want To Be STEM Entrepreneurs

Larchian has some excellent advice for young people who have great STEM imagination, and want to run their own business one day.

Firstly, they must look for a mentor when the time is right, she says. “Start by meeting people, be curious, find out what they do and tell them what you’re trying to accomplish. A mentor will genuinely be interested in your success, helping you launch your career, as well as provide insight into business operations, team dynamics, and how to navigate the current business climate.”

She adds: “Bring passion and skill to your endeavor, not just one or the other. If you don’t have the passion, you will not love it enough to keep moving forward when you are challenged. If you do not have the skill, your challenges will thwart your passion.”

If young people stay curious, try new things, observe, and keep learning, she says, they can become amazing STEM inventors and entrepreneurs.

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