North Central Missouri College recently hosted area high school students for STEM Explorations Day. NCMC math, science, and CTE faculty invited students from area high schools interested in STEM programs to participate in various activities, demonstrations and competitions.
During the day students participated in a forensic technology activity, individual math competition, a drone demonstration, science and chemistry demonstrations and participated in engineering and STEM competitions. Students also had lunch on campus where they were able to learn about various departments, clubs and organizations, and programs at NCMC and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Dr. Susan Stull, Science Chair and Life Sciences Instructor said, “Imagine a group of students laughing at challenging science jokes. It may be difficult to imagine these things, but STEM Explorations Day provides opportunities for students interested in STEM career related topics to be immersed in science, technology, engineering, and math activities and have fun while they do it. We look forward to having STEM Explorations Day again next year.”
This year, students from five high schools participated: Marceline, Trenton, Linn County, Grundy County, and Chillicothe. The STEM Team Competition winners were third place team: Will Krumpelman, Ruth Shakelford, and Finley Watson; second place team: Anna Pfoff, Trent Jacobs, Cain Evans, and Yoo Jung Lee; and first place team: Martin Moore, Langsten Johnson, Alton Keller, and Carter Shipers. The Engineering Competition winners were third place team: Trent Jacobs, Alton Keller, and Finley Watson; second place team: Carter Shipers, Ruth Shackelford, and Kelly Hopper; first place team: Jacob Horton, Elise McCarthy, and Landyn Peterson. The individual math competition winners were third place: Finley Watson, second place Carter Shipers, and first place Nora Vandeloecht.
Tracy Welch, Mathematics Instructor said, “STEM Explorations was a day full of competitions and demonstrations focused on science, technology, engineering, and math. The high school participants appeared to have lots of fun as they competed against one another both individually and in small groups. I’m so glad we were able to host and encourage future employees in the STEM fields!”
North Central Missouri College has a vast array of STEM programs and career paths including the Associate in Science degree and many more. To learn more about STEM programs at North Central Missouri College visit www.ncmissouri.edu/ or contact Admissions at (660) 359-3948.
Photo: STEM first place team (L to R): Martin Moore, Langsten Johnson, Alton Keller, and Carter Shipers