Kalamazoo Valley Hosts STEM Showcase

Area students in third through 12th grades will show off their science, technology, engineering and math projects during a STEM Showcase at Kalamazoo Valley Community College on May 11.

The event, which runs from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a partnership between the college and Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency’s (KRESA) Project Lead the Way, a national program forming partnerships among public schools, higher education institutions and the private sector in order to encourage students to expand upon their knowledge in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

More than 100 local students are expected in the Student Commons area of the Texas Township Campus to showcase their original projects. Highlighted activities will include dissecting sheep brains, building orthotic devices, participating in biomedical activities, and showing off the bridges and robots that they’ve built.

These learning activities are designed to promote critical thinking, problem solving, collaboration, communication and creativity in students, according to Dean of Instruction – Early College Dr. Deborah Coates.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to explore STEM learning and present their findings to the community,” Coates said.

Students will demonstrate their projects on stage and at booths throughout the Commons. The college community is encouraged to visit booths, engage with students and ask questions about their projects.