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 offered to third to sixth grade students, as well as those in grades seven through nine. The second week featured an advanced camp for those who had completed the basic camp.
This summer, students explored the areas of construction, forensics, food science, data collection, precision machining and physics.
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 foods such as nachos, pasta and specialty cookies; •constructing tool boxes and candle holders;
•learning basic welding skills and safety procedures;
•solving a missing trophy crime scene with forensics;
•creating designs on computers for 3-D printing;
•building bird feeders;
•designing plaques using a milling machine, 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 cookies using gluten- free flour.
Students also enjoyed creating wooden storage boxes in construction.
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
