By Brandie Benjamin
On Saturday, November 23, 2019, New Alkebulan STEM Education Center concluded its 12 week “Got Drive” project by hosting a community STEM day and Presentation of Learning. Displaying their knowledge of history, psychology, math and science, students ranging from ages 5-11 took the stage and presented an advanced understanding of each subject. Directed by Cheryl Irving, for the past 3 months the group has studied the dynamics of drive & physics as it relates to mechanics and engineering in comparison to the way that the same elements affect our mental psyche and even social movements. Adhering to the center’s motto “Creating Creators” the students, with the help of parents and community volunteers, were able to use what they learned to physically build an operable electric car that they excitedly presented to friends and family on Saturday.
New Alkebulan’s Director and founder Cheryl Irvin takes a unique and creative project-based approach to connect and relay complex concepts to young children as well as students that may have been negatively labeled in other educational settings and according to parents it is working! This space is changing the way that children not only learn, but how they see themselves both in and outside of the classroom. As said by the students in a song written and recorded by them, New Alkebulan is giving students “the drive to succeed, the drive to achieve, the drive to believe that they can do anything. To learn more about New Alkebulan STEM Education Center, please 
visit www.newalkebulanschool.com or contact (786) 426-4406.
