Mrs. Robin Riveland (Miss Robin), a renowned local artist and the founder of Airoso Music Academy, is celebrated not only for her musical artistry but also for her significant contributions to the Grand Forks Children’s Museum. This year marks the third annual Full STEAM Ahead pop-up museum event, where Miss Robin creative genius shines through multiple STEAM-based exhibits.
“We are immensely grateful to Miss Robin for her time, talent, and the treasure that is her artistic genius,” said Katie Mayer, the museum’s Executive Director. “The children and I affectionately call her Miss Robin. Her dedication to creating, setting up, and helping children realize their full educational potential through these exhibits is extraordinary. Early in the planning process, Miss Robin shares sketches of her ideas, which she then brings to life for Full STEAM Ahead. During the event, she engages with attendees, offering direction, encouragement, and praise. There is an intuitive nature to how children interact with the challenging and intricate exhibits that Miss Robin creates,” Mayer concluded.
At this year’s Full STEAM Ahead, Miss Robin designed several captivating zones. The Medical Zone features X-rays and light boards to illustrate how doctors visualize bones, complemented by microscopes and stethoscopes for hands-on exploration. The Dino Zone includes a life-sized replica of a dinosaur’s head and a baby dinosaur petting area, sparking curiosity about paleontology. These exhibits have the potential to inspire the next generation of doctors, nurses, paleontologists, scientists, and engineers.
“I enjoy the challenges that STEAM education brings to our children. Children are like sponges, and when given the opportunity to explore, create, and utilize their talents, they grow intellectually and socially. Their curiosity may lead them to discover something new about themselves and the world around them,” said Miss Robin. “I am excited about the potential that the Grand Forks Children’s Museum will bring to our area’s children. If we can spark the curiosity and talent that is in every child, then we have fulfilled our mission,” she concluded.
At the Airoso Music Academy, Miss Robin teaches a wide array of musical instruments, from traditional ones like the piano, drums, brass, and wind instruments, to unique options such as the ukulele, harp, and tongue drums. Music fosters discipline, attention to detail, and creative expression, all of which contribute to expanding young minds. It encourages thinking in different dimensions. Similarly, the STEAM-based educational exhibits at Full STEAM Ahead inspire children to think creatively and critically. These exhibits encourage discovery, exploration, and collaboration to solve problems. Unlike traditional education, which often relies on rote memorization and repetition, STEAM-based education emphasizes intellect, curiosity, and teamwork to tackle challenges.
“Watching a child’s eyes light up and a glow of pride spread across their face when they solve a problem or learn something new warms my heart,” said Miss Robin.
Katie Mayer added, “On behalf of the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, we are grateful to Miss Robin for her continued dedication and her willingness to share her extraordinary talents. Her genius shines brightly at Full STEAM Ahead and throughout Grand Forks. Our community is richer for having Miss Robin.”
About Full STEAM Ahead
Created and presented by the Grand Forks Children’s Museum, Full STEAM Ahead features STEAM-based educational activities. It is a pop-up event that is open to the public and admission is free. Full STEAM Ahead offers a series of educational exhibits that utilize Science, Technology,Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as gateways to foster student inquiry, dialogue, collaboration, and critical thinking skills. We just finished the 3rd annual Full STEAM Ahead event and are excited to start initial planning phases for next year already!
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