Takini Rocketry & STEAM Camp draws Native students
Takini School hosted a free STEAM Camp for youth of all ages, offering a window into rocket science. Takini is a tribally-controlled school serving grades K-12 in Howes, SD. The day celebrated Indigenous learners, nurturing their interest in science, technology, engineering, math and applied art through community-based informal teaching and hands-on scientific research. Working in teams, students built and launched model rockets with battery-powered igniters.
Burt Dillabaugh, Nativebio’s public operations officer and tribal liaison described the day. “It was so great that these students had a chance to experience this rocketry adventure. Because of the school's remote location, the students don't usually have a chance to experience any organized science activities outside of school. We don't have any science museums near the school or the reservation.”
“The students had a really good time and were excited that they got to keep their rockets. We were even able to leave some fuel packs and an igniter with the Takini School. We hope to be able to bring more opportunities like this to Takini students and other children from the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation.”
Takini School and NativeBio Data Consortium sponsored the Takini Rocketry & STEAM Camp. Juan-Carlos Chavez of Cosmic Deer Dancer provided educational programming. The National Science Foundation and the Society for Science STEM Action Grants funded the Takini STEAM Camp.