Topeka Public Schools
“Strawbees really came at a great time, when we were seeking what would be the best equipment to incorporate with our STEAM and STEM… it was really important to have something that was easy to translate, regardless of where it was going to fit in.”
Introduction
Jess Blouvan is a dedicated tech specialist at Topeka Public Schools with a background in community education and expertise in STEM programs and tools that were engaging, adaptable, and equipped with strong curriculum support.
When Strawbees was introduced, it quickly became a game-changer, making once-complex concepts more accessible and engaging for students and teachers.
Transforming Classrooms and
Inspiring Creativity
Regardless of your preferences, whether you integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) or consider combining creative disciplines like Arts in your classroom, it is hard to deny that both have become essential components for preparing students for the future.
For Jess Blouvan, a tech specialist with a rich background in education and technology, integrating these approaches into classrooms has been a personal mission. With the help of tools like Strawbees, Jess has found innovative ways to spark curiosity, build critical skills, and create impactful learning experiences across all grade levels.
Overcoming Challenges in STEM
and STEAM Integration
Introducing STEM and STEAM education wasn’t without its hurdles. One major challenge Jess encountered was identifying tools that were truly designed for educational purposes rather than repurposed toys. While some products were flashy and fun, they often lacked the curriculum and durability needed to create meaningful learning experiences.
Another persistent issue was funding. Public schools often operate with limited budgets, so selecting tools that provide long-term value was critical. Jess explains that investing in STEM tools requires careful consideration, not just of financial cost, but of how well the tools align with curricular goals, teacher training needs, and student engagement.
Additionally, the dynamic nature of STEM education presented additional challenges. With constant advancements in fields like AI and computer science, teachers need to stay flexible and embrace lifelong learning. Helping educators build confidence in using new tools became a cornerstone of Jess’s approach.
“You want to have something that has a good curriculum, but it goes beyond this, you want to have something that can be trained and teachers enjoy, at a level that you can get them on board.”
A Game-Changer for STEAM Education
When Strawbees entered the picture, Jess immediately recognized its potential to address many of those challenges. Unlike other tools, Strawbees was specifically designed for education, combining creativity, engineering, and coding in a way that resonated with both students and teachers.
The versatility of Strawbees made it an excellent fit for Jess’s district. It was easy to implement across grade levels, from elementary to high school, and adaptable to different curricula, including Project Lead the Way and computer science programs. Integration with micro:bit allowed students to bring their creations to life by adding motors and programming functions.
Jess also praised Strawbees for its 3-dimensional functionality: “It’s a great introduction to 3D spans that allow something I can bring back to the classroom,” giving students an exciting new approach to creativity. Whether used in summer enrichment programs, after-school activities, or in the classroom, Strawbees consistently engaged students and filled critical gaps in STEAM education.
Jess Blouvan (Tech Specialist Topeka Public Schools) demonstrates the versatility of Strawbees through modifying code to make the wings flap (MACE conference 2025).
Overcoming Challenges in STEM and
STEM Integration
Strawbees works to provide and encourage students to think outside the box. Jess compares it to timeless building tools like Lego or Lincoln Logs, where the possibilities are endless, and the focus is on exploring and innovating. “You just see what you are starting with and then think about what you’re going to make. It’s nice to have an educational tool that immediately you say I want to do something with that.”
One of the unique benefits of Strawbees is its ability to teach spatial reasoning and 3D concepts—skills that are often difficult to convey using traditional methods. By allowing students to physically build and manipulate structures, Strawbees helps them understand complex ideas like geometry, engineering, and design.
Additionally, Strawbees naturally promotes the iterative process. Rather than completing a task and moving on, students are encouraged to refine and improve their creations. This mindset, which mirrors real-world engineering practices, is invaluable for developing problem-solving skills and resilience.
“The good thing about Strawbees as an educational tool is sometimes the problem we run into with other things that are more well known is that they are treated like toys and so there’s a little bit of a disconnect… With Strawbees, they’re designed to be an educational tool.”
Supporting Teachers and Building Confidence
For Jess, ensuring teachers felt confident using Strawbees was a top priority. Strawbees’ intuitive design made it easy for teachers to adopt. Jess explains, “It’s a tool that if the teacher decides to move on or do something else it’s very easy to pass on to someone else and be able to train and work with them.” Its comprehensive curriculum and support resources, like Strawbees Classroom, ensured they had everything they needed to succeed.
By integrating Strawbees into existing programs like sixth-grade computer science and seventh-grade design and modeling, Jess helped teachers see its value firsthand. The tool’s adaptability and compatibility with micro:bit further enhanced its appeal, making it a favorite among educators at all levels.
Making STEM Accessible and Engaging
for Students
Strawbees isn’t just a tool—it’s a gateway to understanding how the world works. Jess notes that its hands-on approach helps students grasp complex systems by showing how interconnected parts function together and comments, “Students start to see how things are moving and changing and understand the interconnected parts, so you think about how Strawbees are made up of one piece connected to another piece connected to another piece”. This is particularly valuable in areas with strong blue-collar roots, where students may one day work in industries that require a practical understanding of engineering and design.
What sets Strawbees apart is the sense of accomplishment it provides. Students can see the results of their efforts—whether it’s programming a motor to move or constructing a functional crane. This immediate feedback instils pride, confidence, and a genuine love for learning.
“One of the best things and one of the most useful things about good STEM tools is that at the end of whatever they’ve done, they have a clear result of success and feedback that says okay I’ve programmed this to do this or I’ve built this and it looks like this – that clear feedback is really great.”
Memorable Moments
One of Jess’s most impactful experiences with Strawbees occurred during a STEM night at an elementary school. He showcased a Strawbees crane, integrated with a micro:bit, that students could control. The crane quickly became a hit, drawing long lines of excited children.
One student, however, stood out. Fascinated by the crane’s mechanics, he asked Jess endless questions about how it worked. His curiosity was so intense that he stayed long after his turn, determined to understand every detail.
Jess remembers “I had a student that was probably in fourth or fifth grade and he just absolutely needed to know how it worked. It wasn’t one of those things where this is fun (even though it is fun). He needed to know!”
The boy’s parents later shared that he wasn’t typically engaged in school. Yet, this experience sparked a newfound interest in learning. He went on to join the district’s summer program and became an active participant in STEM activities—a transformation Jess describes as “one of the best experiences that I had (with Strawbees)”, one of the most rewarding moments of his career.
“You want to have something that has a good curriculum, but it goes beyond this, you want to have something that can be trained and teachers enjoy, at a level that you can get them on board.”
Standing Out as a STEAM Product
For Jess, Strawbees’ greatest strength lies in its purposeful design as an educational tool. Unlike many products that feel like retrofitted toys, Strawbees was created with educators and students in mind. Its curriculum, engineering focus, and coding integration make it a comprehensive solution for STEAM education.
Jess also highlights the company’s exceptional support, “One thing I can’t overstate is the support. As somebody who works with a lot of different vendors for tech education and technology in general, I really have a hard time finding companies that are responsive to specific needs and Strawbees has been extremely responsive.”
Whether answering questions or providing resources, Strawbees has consistently delivered, ensuring educators feel empowered to use the tool effectively. This level of responsiveness sets Strawbees apart from many other vendors.
“There has never been a single time where I have not been able to get my questions answered, get the support that I need, or anything else through the entire process. That’s a great thing.”
Advice for Educators Considering
Strawbees
Jess advises educators and districts to think long-term when investing in STEAM tools, “When you compare Strawbees to other products, what value are you getting in the big picture? What plans do you have when you look at your STEM, not just right now, but in five years?” Strawbees’ adaptability, affordability, and comprehensive features make it a smart choice for schools looking to build sustainable STEM/STEAM programs.
Its flexibility ensures it can be used across grade levels, and its ease of use makes it simple to pass on to new teachers. For districts seeking a tool that inspires creativity, supports critical thinking, and provides lasting value, Strawbees is an investment worth making.
Strawbees is more than just a STEAM tool—it’s a bridge to creativity, innovation, and lifelong learning. By empowering students to explore, build, and think critically, it prepares them for a future where these skills are essential. Whether it’s transforming a disengaged student into a STEAM enthusiast or helping a teacher confidently adopt new technologies, Strawbees continues to make a meaningful impact in education and Jess’s career.
Jess Blouvan Tech Specialist at Topeka Public Schools “There has never been a single time where I have not been able to get my questions answered, get the support that I need, or anything else through the entire process. That’s a great thing.”