09/10/2024
"STEM@Rec 2024 program concluded a successful summer run. This summer, the STEM@Rec program wrapped up another engaging season, leaving a lasting impact on local youth. The program, which aims to foster interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), expanded its reach this year to include Parkview apartments alongside its usual locations at Gresham, NH Scott, and Hamilton recreational centers.
Over the course of six weeks, more than 150 students participated in hands-on STEM activities, each walking away with their very own take-home STEM toy. The program's unique approach required students to carefully read assembly instructions and study accompanying photos, honing their comprehension and attention to detail.
One standout project was the construction of solar-powered cars, which provided an illuminating lesson in renewable energy. Students quickly discovered that their creations wouldn't function under standard classroom lighting, necessitating a move outdoors. This led to an impromptu lesson in the variability of solar power, as partly cloudy conditions at one center demonstrated how cloud cover affects energy generation and storage.
As the cars sputtered to a stop when clouds obscured the sun, only to spring back to life when sunlight returned, students gained firsthand experience with the challenges and potential of solar energy. This practical demonstration brought textbook concepts to life, illustrating the real-world applications of STEM principles.
The STEM@Rec program continues to prove itself as an invaluable resource for nurturing young minds and sparking curiosity in the sciences. As SDIAE looks forward to next year's session, it anticipates even more exciting projects and discoveries on the horizon."…𝐀𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐒𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭
