News
Guest Speaker
Adrian Ty Fletcher is a Data Scientist and a graduate of the Business Analytics program at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. With a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and analytical strategy, he brings valuable industry insights to the academic setting. Adrian was invited to visit our partner schools as a guest speaker to engage students with real-world applications of data science and business analytics.
Dr. Christopher Emdin is a Professor of Science Education and Maxine Greene Chair for Distinguished Contributions to Education at Teachers College, Columbia University. With a strong background in education and community engagement, he was invited to visit our partner schools as a guest speaker for the students.
Pedro Soto Jr. is a Certified Business Advisor at the Pace University Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With significant experience supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, he was invited to visit our partner schools as a guest speaker for the students.
Dr. Roni Ellington is a Professor of Mathematics Education in the Department of Advanced Studies, Leadership, and Policy at Morgan State University. With extensive experience in the field of education, she was invited to visit our partner schools as a guest speaker for the students.
Dr. Robert Gyles is a Professor of Mathematics Education at Hunter College with over thirty years of experience in educational roles, including as an education administrator and mathematics teacher. He was invited to visit our partner schools as a guest speaker for the students.
Professional Development Workshop
On February 1, 2025, during a PD workshop at VEM, teachers tapped into their creativity to complete Finch robot challenges, incorporating additional tools to enhance problem-solving and engagement.
On February 1, 2025, during a PD workshop at VEM, teachers tapped into their creativity to complete Finch robot challenges, incorporating additional tools to enhance problem-solving and engagement.
On June 8, 2024, during a PD workshop at VEM, PS84 was recognized with a certificate of appreciation from Teachers College and the VEM team for their active participation in the project.
On June 8, 2024, during a PD workshop at VEM, PS59 was recognized with a certificate of appreciation from Teachers College and the VEM team for their active participation in the project.
Teachers from PS59 and PS84 received gifts from donation with the VEM and TC research team on January 20, 2024.
On May 25, 2023, teachers from each grade level are seen presenting a unique mathematics teaching activity that incorporates the Finch robot. The group's discussion centers around ensuring the activities meet culturally relevant criteria.
On February 1, 2023, an engaging discussion between Dr. Lyublinskaya, the VEM team and a group of Grade 2 teachers happened. They explored strategies to integrate the Finch robot into the existing mathematics curriculum.
Teachers learned about culturally relevant pedagogy in the PD workshop on October 10, 2022
Summer Retreat
Captured on August 26, 2024, teachers engaged in hands-on exploration with the Finch robot during the summer retreat. Their challenge: guiding the Finch to stay within a blue sticker-marked route.
Teachers took a group photo with the VEM and TC teams after the summer retreat on August 30, 2023.
Snapped on August 30, 2022, two teachers working collaboratively, immersed in experimentation with the Finch robot. Their goal: to explore the possibilities of using the robot to draw an array of distinct shapes.
Teachers teamed up to engage in hands-on experimentation with the Finch robot on Aug 30, 2022. Their objective was to investigate how to create a variety of unique shapes.
Taken during Summer Retreat on August 30, 2022, a teacher attempted to sketch a crescent moon shape again onto a sheet of paper. However the Finch robot ran outside of the paper.
Taken during Summer Retreat on August 30, 2022, a teacher tried to draw a semi-circle by programming the Finch robot to move multiples small turns.