STEM Night Sparks Creativity at Washingtonville

By JANELL MALDONADO

Walking in, hearing the hum or beeping of robots and 3D printers in action, and exclamations like "Whoa!" spectators knew off the bat that STEM night would be a hit. Washingtonville High School hosted a district wide STEM night this last Tuesday and what was shown blew everyone away. Transforming the cafeteria and gymnasium into a hub of creativity, curiosity, hands-on learning, the outstanding work really left so many peers and parents in awe.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. It's an educational approach that shows these four disciplines to teach the youth critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and innovation skills. Students showcase projects ranging from oobleck stations to tesla coil stations. It was amazing to see so many kids excited about science. The eager kids really owned their learning. Events like STEM Night not only bring science to life, but also spark a passion that students carry into the classroom and beyond.

Mukisa Kemmelmen, member of both the Science National Honor Society and Gems in STEM stated, “Personally it was really exciting for me because I haven't been to a science fair since elementary school. I loved seeing all of the different groups display their projects, especially the scientific research class. I always wonder what they do, so I had a lot of fun seeing their results. I think it was important for the community to come together especially the younger kids and see how fun it actually is to participate and engage in STEM clubs and classes.” 

She also went on to mention that her favorite station was definitely the oobleck station and that she loved seeing people's reactions to the non newtonian fluid and that the kids and parents got a kick out of it and learned the science behind how it actually works. 

STEM nights and programs are crucial for today's youth because they provide early exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math in a fun, creative, hands-on, and engaging way. Not only does it give insight on what STEM really is, but it also helps  students see real world applications and career possibilities in these fields.

That evening, students left with wide eyes, full minds  and a sparked love for science that may one day grow into a passion or even a career. Events like STEM Night show just how powerful hands-on learning can be. It reminds us that the future of innovation starts right here in our classrooms.