60 Bermuda Teachers Attend STEM Workshop on Paper Circuits and Sneaker Design

From Paper Circuits to Sneaker Design: 60 Bermuda Teachers Attend Science Workshop

16 April, 2026

From mapping the spread of a simulated virus to designing the next generation of athletic footwear, nearly 60 Bermuda educators spent a high-energy day at Elliot Primary School redefining what STEM education looks like in the modern classroom.

Led by renowned expert Dr. Natalie S. King, PhD, the session moved beyond traditional lectures to immerse teachers from P2, P3, P6, and Middle Level Science in the same inquiry-based challenges they will now bring to their students. Dr. King, an Associate Professor at Georgia State University and founder of the I AM STEM Foundation, guided the group through a framework that proves science is most powerful when it affirms a student’s own identity and culture.

"Every activity was exciting, purposeful, and immediately applicable to our classrooms. From the paper circuits to the sneaker prototype challenge, we experienced firsthand exactly what engaging, inquiry-based science looks like. I left inspired and ready to bring it back to my students," said Dana Bean, P2 teacher at Victor Scott Primary.

The workshop centred on the philosophy that STEM education must be evidence-based and equity-centred. To demonstrate this, Dr. King led educators through real-world simulations, including an Epidemiology Disease Spread Simulation and an Engineering Design Sneaker Prototype Challenge. These activities were designed to be culturally responsive, ensuring that every student sees themselves reflected in the curriculum.

"Being able to work alongside colleagues from other schools was invaluable. The collaborative activities, shared resources, and interactive discussions made the learning feel real and relevant. I walked away with new connections, new ideas, and practical tools ready for my science lessons," said Deonae Dickinson, P2 teacher at  St Georges Prep

The session concluded with a strategic "Call to Action." Educators didn't just leave with ideas; they walked away with a concrete roadmap for the remainder of the academic year. This includes standards-aligned lesson templates and a plan to integrate STEAM Project-Based Learning units before the end of the term.

Shannon James, the Department’s Education Officer, Science, said: “Partnering with Dr Natalie King and the I AM STEM Foundation is a testament to our commitment to continue to provide world-class professional learning for our educators. Dr King's expertise, passion, and ability to connect with teachers at every level were evident throughout the entire day. Seeing a mixed group of educators from across our schools engaged, collaborating, and leaving with practical tools and renewed passion for science teaching is exactly what we set out to achieve. This is the kind of transformative experience that doesn't just build teacher capacity. It ultimately changes outcomes for our students.”

Minister of Education, Senator, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, said, "Opportunities like this exemplify the direction in which we must continue to move as a public education system. By equipping our teachers with innovative, equity-centred approaches to STEM, we are not only strengthening classroom practice but also ensuring that every child in Bermuda can see themselves as a scientist, engineer, or innovator. The practical application demonstrated throughout this workshop reflects the supportive professional learning that ultimately drives improved student outcomes and prepares our young people to thrive in an increasingly complex, technology-driven world."

By investing in these transformative instructional frameworks, the Bermuda Public School System continues to equip its educators with the tools to inspire the next generation of innovators.

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Contact Information

Ministry of Education

44 Church Street
Hamilton HM 12
Bermuda

(441) 278-3300

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