Franklin Square woman to teach STEM camp at Hofstra University

Pauline Badamo had been planning on teaching more engineering and robotics classes last year after the success of her program at the Franklin Square Public Library on March 2, 2020, but when Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that businesses and schools would close statewide later that month, Badamo said she had to “take a break from in-person classes.”

Now, one year later, she is ready to begin again, with a spring and summer STEM camps. for children 8 and older

“I thought it was a good time,” Badamo, of Franklin Square, said, as businesses are opening up and more and more New Yorkers are getting the Covid vaccine each week.

As part of the spring camp, 14 students will learn about famous artists and architects while building a flying bird and different types of catapults and bridges each day. The classes will be held from 12 to 4 p.m. between March 29 and April 2 at the Oak Center at Hofstra University, 101 Oak Street in Uniondale.

Students and staff will be required to wear a facemask and complete a health self-assessment before each class, and social distancing will be maintained.

The curriculum and dates for the summer STEM Camp, however, have not yet been decided.

“STEM is very important” for children, she said, adding that “project-based and play based programs,” like the ones she is offering, are a good way to get children interested in science, technology, engineering and math. That is why, Badamo said, she founded Inspire Educate Grow earlier this year and plans to hold more classes over the next few months.

To register for the STEM camps, visit www.InspireEducateGrow.com, and for more information, email InspireEducateGrow.365@gmail.com.