YSU STEM might be holding their second annual STEM Explore Summer Program for junior high school students from surrounding the Youngstown area. Last year’s program was successful for YSU STEM as well as the students who attended that, this year, they’ve expanded this system or two one-week sessions. Each session, the 1st running June 17-21 and 2nd June 24-28 from 9am to 3pm, has twenty-five students able to explore what STEM programs offer. Students will see within the Beeghly College of Education each day, where will have them taken up various places throughout YSU along with the Youngstown area.
Dean Abraham plus the Dean within the Beeghly College of Education, Dean DiPillo had previously asked if there seemed to be ways to increase student enrollment while in the YSU STEM. Dr. Katie Cripe (Beeghly College of Education), Dr. Sherri Lovelace-Cameron (Chemistry), and Professor Robert J. Korenic (School of Engineering Technology) created an idea. Together, they gathered several newly licensed teachers and organized STEM Explore to stimulate interest in regions of STEM, beginning with middle school children. They are not only introducing STEM by planning fun activities and experiments, however relate STEM studies your and possible future careers for the students.
Students, from grades 6-8, are going to be participating in several activities, like making podcasts; discovering Math and Chemistry; exploring the Mineral Museum and Oh Wow! Children’s Center; and will also be utilizing each of YSU, like Recreation Center and Hospital. Students will hear several speakers from all over STEM, in addition to geology and geography.
“The kids from in 2009 want to stay for hours, all month, all year!” Dr. Cripe says. A portion of the students from during the past year will likely be attending again this season and the ones students have spread the term. Several schools outside the immediate Youngstown area, including Liberty, Columbiana, and Hubbard also have registered.
