Events

The Chemistry of Slime / DIY Slime Day

Students had the opportunity to explore the fascinating world of chemistry through a hands-on slime-making experience. They learned about the science behind polymers—long, repeating chains of molecules—and how different ingredients interact at the molecular level to create unique textures and consistencies. This fun and educational event helped students connect scientific theory with real-world application in a way that was engaging and memorable.

Gingerbread House Structural Engineering Challenge

During the winter season, students took on the challenge of constructing gingerbread houses with a twist: they were judged not only on creativity and design, but also on structural integrity. Through this activity, participants learned about architectural design principles, load distribution, and the importance of engineering in everyday structures—all while enjoying a festive and collaborative environment. It was a delicious way to test real-world engineering skills.

Engineering Day with Salazar's Futures

Chemistry Day with Salazar's Futures

Black History in STEM with the National Society of Black Engineers

To celebrate Black History Month, STEMgineering collaborated with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to highlight the achievements of Black professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through panel discussions, historical presentations, and interactive activities, students learned about influential Black figures in STEM and discussed ways to promote equity and representation in the field. It was an inspiring event that combined education with meaningful dialogue.

Winter Book Drive with Boys With Books

STEMgineering joined forces with Boys With Books to host a Winter Book Drive aimed at promoting literacy and access to educational resources. Students organized, promoted, and collected hundreds of donated books to be distributed to local schools and community centers. This initiative not only supported reading and learning in underserved communities, but also reinforced the idea that STEM education is deeply connected to strong foundational skills like literacy.

Build Your Own Catapult Engineering Challenge

In this hands-on engineering project, students were challenged to design and build functional catapults using simple materials like rubber bands, popsicle sticks, and spoons. They applied principles of physics such as force, motion, and trajectory to test and refine their devices, aiming for both accuracy and distance. The challenge encouraged creative problem-solving, teamwork, and an understanding of engineering concepts in a fun and competitive format.

Make Candy DNA

Students learned about genetics by constructing DNA models using candy. This interactive project helped them visualize the double helix structure of DNA and understand how base pairs function in genetic coding. By translating complex biological concepts into a tangible and tasty form, students were able to better grasp molecular biology in a memorable and enjoyable way.

STEM Careers with Special Guest Speaker Stefanie McCormack

STEMgineering welcomed Stefanie McCormack, a respected STEM professional, to speak with students about her journey and experiences in the field. Her engaging presentation covered career challenges, successes, and the importance of diversity in STEM. Students had the chance to ask questions, gain career advice, and feel inspired by a real-world example of where a STEM education can lead.

Ping Pong Engineering Challenge

Students explored principles of engineering and physics by designing a device that could retrieve a ping pong ball from a distance and return it to a designated start line. Using only paper, tape, string, and paper clips, they were challenged to maximize the retrieval distance while minimizing material usage. This hands-on activity encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and resourcefulness, as students tested and refined their prototypes. By engaging in this practical challenge, they developed a deeper understanding of mechanical design and the importance of efficiency in engineering solutions.