STEM Expo A Stellar Success
Sutter Middle School hosted the GenCorp Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Exposition.
The exposition was separated into stations, with the activity center being located inside the gymnasium and the project competition inside the cafeteria.
The gymnasium was over flowing with students and their families participating in engaging activities such as identifying different types of rocks and minerals and magnetic soap bubbles.
Erick Khacikyan, an attending student, said “The activity station was one of my favorite parts. It allowed me to participate in science activities and made me feel involved. I learned so many new things through these activities.”
The project competition was divided into four separate categories: Plant Science, Chemistry, Art as a Science and Biology. The projects displayed science related experiments and really allowed the students and parents to learn outside of a classroom environment. Some of the subjects were The Rate of Liquid Evaporation, Dry Ice Root Bear, and a Penny Washing Machine. This event allowed students to focus on a subject they were particularly passionate about and have fun while learning new things.
Aneri Patel, a participating student from Sutter Middle School, said “The STEM Expo is a lot of fun. You get to learn a lot through the projects and get to meet professionals.”
Representatives from STEM organizations also had booths set up primarily focusing on informing families of the importance of STEM as a college and career choice. SMUD, Aerojet, Clean Energy Systems, and Micron were among these organizations. These companies were there to demonstrate what kinds of jobs are out there for students who take an interest in math and science at such a young age.
“We are concerned about well qualified candidates for the future,” said SMUD representative Marie Brougham.
The Advanced Placement Chemistry and Biology classes along with the Honors Chemistry classes at the high schools in the Folsom Cordova Unified School District volunteered to help distribute food, host activity centers and help judge the projects.
Sunya Choudhry, a high school judge, said “This is such a great event. It allows students to learn outside of the classroom and interact with others in their community. I’m glad I got to be apart of this event.”
Overall, the STEM expo was a major success!
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