Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Photos by Rob Hinkal, social media specialist
Among the STEMFest challenges was a competition to "build the tallest paper tower" (one that could support two ping-pong balls). Wednesday's STEMFest attracted more than 275 middle school students and teachers to the Penn College campus.
More than 275 middle school students and teachers, representing 13 schools in 10 counties, visited campus Wednesday as part of STEMFest, a celebration of engineering and technical careers.
Students rotated through STEM-centered, hands-on workshops led by Penn College faculty and staff. Activities ranged from programming robots to creating electrical circuits to constructing popsicle stick bridges. Other activities included an engineering design challenge that tasked students to build the tallest paper tower and a visit from the PlastiVan, a national education outreach program promoting careers in plastics.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for these kids. I think it’s going to be great for them to have the exposure to the different programs offered here,” said Kurt Eck, a science teacher for St. Joseph School in Danville. “They think of engineering as being one thing, and they are already getting exposure to how engineering encompasses so many different fields.”
‘I think this will get kids interested in STEM fields,” added Stacie Kilgore, a teacher from the East Lycoming School District. “Science is something I feel like we need a little bit more in our classroom. Anything we can do to get our kids to see what things they can do in their future is tremendous.”
Alicia L. McNett, assistant professor of information technology, engages a group, with faculty colleagues Phillip C. Warner (background left) and Spyke M. Krepshaw (right) standing ready to assist.
STEMFest was supported by the PAsmart Grant “STEM Careers Re-Imagined: An Industry and Education Collaborative.” The grant aims to increase access for rural students to STEM career pathways.
The teachers who accompanied their students to STEMFest participated last summer in an externship at Penn College that exposed them to manufacturing and construction fields and introduced them to new Pennsylvania K-12 Science Standards. The educators received a 3D printer for their classroom to encourage student engagement opportunities.
“I brought home with me the 3D printer, and the kids were super excited about that just because it was something brand new,” Kilgore said.
“I took so many ideas back to the classroom that we have been using. That’s been almost invaluable at this point,” Eck said.
As for the impact of STEMfest, Justin Reynolds, a student from Towanda, summed it up best: “There’s a lot of careers out there. A lot of different opportunities and you can do a lot.”
A "rapid bridge design and construction activity" (with popsicle sticks) kicks off in a civil engineering technology lab with appropriately-vested faculty members David J. Fedor (at podium) and Ryan J. McDonald (with hand in the air) leading the charge.
In the college's Field House, a PlastiVan employee enthralls a group of young visitors.
Another PlastiVan representative promotes careers in the plastics and polymer world.
The paper tower challenge offers a simple but effective engineering team assignment.
Programming robots is a fascinating subject led by Mario A. Tombasco, instructor of electronics/automation & robotics.
Vii J. Rice (left), plastics technology instructor, offers facts and fun ...
... to stir students' interest in molding their futures.
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