Sussex County Community College (SCCC) recently hosted a dynamic event aimed at igniting young minds in STEM disciplines. Named "High School STEM Discovery Day," the event drew participation from five local high schools and engaged over 100 students in a series of educational activities.
The event Spanned Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics and featured hands-on lessons designed to bridge classroom theory with practical application. Students had the opportunity to explore various subjects, explore real-world scenarios, and gain valuable insights into potential career paths.
"We wanted to provide students with a first-hand experience of what STEM fields have to offer," remarked Nancy Gallo, Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs at SCCC. "By participating in activities ranging from chemistry experiments to robotics coding, students discovered their passions and future professional aspirations."
Highlights of the day included:
- Chemistry: Under the guidance of Christina Winters, Instructor of Chemistry, students used UV-VIS spectrometry to analyze the concentration of Blue Dye No. 1 in popular beverages such as Gatorade, Kool-Aid, and Powerade. Students calculated dye concentrations by measuring absorbance levels and applying the Beer-Lambert standardization plot and shared their findings in a collaborative discussion.
- Physics: Mimely Little, Science Lab Coordinator (Physics), and Jessica Winter, Adjunct – Biology, led an exploration of forensic ballistics. Using Nerf guns of varying barrel lengths, students applied the kinetic energy equation to examine how barrel length influences firearm accuracy.
- Biology: Alexis Van Duzer, Science Laboratory Assistant (Biology), guided students in using spirometry to measure forced vital capacity. They also observed an inflatable lung demonstration, highlighting the impact of smoking on lung health.
- Optics Technology: Jack Stafford, Optics Technology Supervisor, introduced students to key optical applications through three interactive demonstrations. Students also toured the Optics Manufacturing Laboratory in the R Building, where they learned about the cutting-edge technology used in optics production.
- Medical Assisting: Suzan Melik, Medical Assisting Program Supervisor, led students through a comprehensive demonstration of clinical skills taught in the program. These included first aid, phlebotomy, electrocardiography, vital sign measurement, eye and ear exams, BMI assessments, and medication administration. Students also had hands-on experience with an infrared vein finder, a practi-EpiPen, and CPR training using manikins.
- Robotics and Automation: Leonard Sheehy, Robotics/Maker Space Supervisor, and Mark Chomut, Adjunct – Math, engaged students in coding mobile robots to sense and react to their environment. Additionally, SCCC students showcased automation technology training available in the Maker Space, demonstrating the real-world applications of robotics.
These STEM activities reflect SCCC’s commitment to experiential learning, ensuring students gain practical skills and knowledge that prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, and healthcare.
"Events like these are crucial for nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers," noted Dr. Leonard Sheehy, Robotics Supervisor. "We are committed to fostering student interest in STEM fields that are pivotal to today's industries."
SCCC plans to expand its outreach efforts to inspire more students to pursue careers in high-demand STEM sectors.
