Green Machines and Hackasaurus Jams

This post originally appeared in TASC’s “The ExpandED Exchange” blog. Read more to find out what our New York Action Team members have been up to!

Wouldn’t you love to be a kid in one of these two new pilot after-school programs at Quest to Learn, a tech-powered public middle school in New York City? The program in green design grew out of seventh graders’ desire to invent more sustainable ways to live on this planet. The school’s multi-media news channel will give kids voice through reporting, blogging, video production and marketing.

Our Science Manager, Lisa Mielke, had a great time play-testing the green curriculum with Institute of Play, and sharing her feedback on how to adapt it beyond Quest to Learn. We’re grateful to the digital learning enthusiasts at the Joan Ganz Cooney Center for introducing us to Institute of Play and Hive NYC, the citywide learning network of organizations that are helping kids morph from digital media consumers to creators. We’re now part of a citywide Action Team to use technology to engage more kids in learning, sharing and creating.

Next up in this collaboration: Hackasaurus Jams come to TASC ExpandED Schools.

Susan Brenna is TASC’s Chief Communications Officer. A former journalist and education reporter for outfits including New York magazine and New York Newsday, she manages TASC publications, talks to journalists and bloggers, deals with the whole messaging business that former journalists treat somewhat suspiciously, and argues for why kids need both more learning time AND inspiring opportunities. Trenton Makes, the World Takes.