Students at the Wellford Academy of Science and Technology in Spartanburg District Five will soon explore engineering and design through a unique hands-on experience.
According to the District, Innovation Station teacher Claire Hill received a Telepresence Amusement Park starter kit as part of a Bright Ideas Grant. The kit enables students to design and build small amusement park rides using K’NEX construction systems and to share their creations via livestream video. Students mount a small wireless camera at the rider location, which streams to video goggles, transforming a third-person toy into an immersive first-person ride experience.
The initiative grew from a presentation by Dr. Martin Cwiakala, founder of the nonprofit Community STEAM Collaborative. He presented at a South Carolina Association of School Administrators event in February 2025. Cwiakala is currently an Engineering Instructor at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies. While the Telepresence Amusement Park concept was originally envisioned for middle and high school students, Hill recognized its potential for younger learners and expressed interest in bringing the experience to an elementary setting.
By introducing the project at the elementary level, Hill aims to foster curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills, all while giving students an early introduction to STEAM pathways. The District says the project aims to help introduce students to engineering thinking, creativity and collaboration while creating opportunities to connect with other classrooms and community partners.
“We believe innovation and hands-on learning can inspire students at any age,” Hill said. “This project allows them to design, build, and share their ideas in a way that makes learning both meaningful and exciting.”
Dr. Cwiakala noted that the Wellford Academy pilot represents an important step in expanding access to engaging STEAM experiences.
“Claire recognized that engineering curiosity starts early,” he said. “By bringing this project to elementary students, she is helping build confidence, creativity, and a sense of possibility that can shape future learning.”
The Telepresence Amusement Park initiative is part of the Community STEAM Collaborative’s mission to build connections between schools and communities while providing innovative, accessible learning experiences. To keep up with news at Wellford Academy, visit its website.
