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BirdBrain Technologies: Helping Students Soar by Putting Fun into STEM Education

The BirdBrain Technologies team

With its strong commitment to fostering creativity and curiosity in students, BirdBrain Technologies has taken flight as one of Pittsburgh’s foremost leaders in the STEM education industry.

At the forefront of BirdBrain Technologies’ mission is the belief that every student deserves the opportunity to engage with the exciting world of STEM. 

Its signature Finch robot is designed to be user-friendly and versatile to unlock the potential of coding and robotics for students of all ages and skill levels. Through playful exploration and experimentation, learners can dive into the realms of coding, computer science, and engineering, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills along the way.

“We’ve been around for 13 years now. BirdBrain is a spin-off of work that I did as a PhD student at Carnegie Mellon at the Robotics Institute,” said Founder Tom Lauwers. “I was working with a number of people on educational robotics and educational tools, and actually figuring out how to align learner goals and the goals of curriculum with the hardware and features of the robots that would work in classrooms.” 

But BirdBrain Technologies’ influence extends beyond just their products – they are a true advocate for STEM education. Its website (birdbraintechnologies.com) serves as a treasure trove of resources for educators, providing lesson plans, video tutorials and a supportive community where teachers can connect and exchange ideas. By empowering educators with the tools and knowledge they need, BirdBrain Technologies ensures that STEM education thrives in Pittsburgh and beyond.

What sets BirdBrain Technologies apart from the rest is its unwavering dedication to inclusivity and accessibility.  They recognize the importance of breaking down barriers and making STEM education accessible to all students, regardless of their background or abilities. BirdBrain Technologies ensures that every learner can actively participate, explore and create.

BirdBrain Technologies Finch robot and Hummingbird Premium Kit“I get to cheer teachers on and show them that they have everything they need to teach with computer science. So if it feels intimidating to bring robotics in your classroom…I get to come in and kind of demystify creative robotics and show them you are more than smart enough, you are more than capable enough, you already have the skills being a teacher,” said Sarah Fitzhenry, Learning and Community Manager. “And let’s do this together and make something that makes your job more fun and that your students are going to remember and love. And that’s going to bring this deep and joyful learning to more students because we want every student to have these kinds of experiences.”

BirdBrain’s reach extends far beyond the Steel City, inspiring students, educators and enthusiasts across the globe to embrace STEM and unleash their creativity. It also has a program to lend out its Hummingbird, Finch and Owlet tools to under-resourced schools at no charge.

BirdBrain Technologies is not just a company – it is a catalyst for change, a beacon of inspiration, and a partner in shaping the future of STEM education. They are revolutionizing STEM education and paving the way for a future where every student can soar to new heights of knowledge and discovery.