On Thursday, April 24, the STEAM Expo took place at Swain Middle School for the second year in a row.
This event exposed students to different ideas and careers they might have not encountered on their own, with a focus on the categories of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
“We wanted to expose [students] to as diverse an array of topics and activities as possible,” said Swain County GEAR UP Coordinator and event organizer, Taylor Dodge. “You never know what experience might light a spark for a child — a spark that serves as motivation for them to further explore a new interest or passion.”
Local museums, schools, and organizations were invited to participate and set up booths at the event.
Some participants included:
A few activities that participants brought for students included glassblowing and blacksmithing demonstrations, introductions to crafts such as pottery and crocheting, and lessons on animal and plant identification. The STEAM Expo also exposed students to robotics and physics demonstrations.
GEAR UP Assistant Director of College Access Services, Wes Calbreath, attended the event providing students the chance to take the NC Careers Reality Check career interest quiz. This quiz gives students an insight as to potential careers they may enjoy, and different ways to prepare for them.
The event lasted from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a midday break for a barbeque lunch.
The event was a hit with students, with one anonymous middle schooler saying, “I learned how to make pottery which was kind of hard to be honest, I also learned that there are many types of bugs and they are so little that you can barely see them, not only that but I also got to use the PlayStation controller for the robot bobcat, it was really cool and kinda creepy. Anyways I would like to thank you for the STEAM EXPO!"
STEAM Expo at Swain County Middle School
STEAM Expo at Swain County Middle School