In June, more than 400 students from Penta Career Center’s 16-member school districts who have an interest in science, technology, engineering and math participated in the annual STEM camp.
Held at Penta Career Center in Perrysburg Township, over a two week period, the camp was expanded this year to include third to sixth grade students, as well as those in grades seven through nine. They explored culinary, welding, construction, forensics, historical STEM, criminal justice and information technology.
Each day, campers participated in engaging activities designed to increase their understanding of how science, technology, engineering and math skills are used in a variety of career fields, explained Christine May, program coordinator.
This year’s activities included:
•creating smoothies, fruit pizzas and specialty cookies;
•constructing concrete mini bridges;
•learning basic welding skills and safety procedures;
•collecting crime scene evidence;
•creating designs on computers for 3-D printing;
•building bird feeders;
•designing and testing miniature boats and shelters, and
•conducting STEM experiments.
Each year, camp activities change and become more challenging.
One of the more popular activities this year among younger campers took place in culinary, where students made cookie dough for their fruit pizzas.
Students also enjoyed learning about 3-D printing technology and its practical applications, such as creating human organs for surgeons to practice on when learning about open heart transplant or other surgeries.
In welding, campers worked meticulously on metal spiders–the legs proved particularly challenging–and desktop organizers.
Held annually, the all-day camp is offered to students in Penta’s member school districts which include: Anthony Wayne, Bowling Green, Eastwood, Elmwood, Genoa, Lake, Maumee, Northwood, North Baltimore, Oak Harbor, Otsego, Perrysburg, Rossford, Springfield, Swanton and Woodmore.
~Jane Maiolo
