STEM Field Trip

Our second annual STEM field trip took place yesterday.  Our first stop was the Science Center where we participated in SciTech Days.  As a teacher, I have always vowed to myself that I would not go to here on a field trip because all of my students have gone there and I believe the reason for a field trip is to expose students to experiences they would not get otherwise. 

SciTech Days gave the kids an opportunity to speak with STEM professionals from around the region, while experiencing hands-on science in action.  From PPG to Fed Ex to local colleges, the students were able to interact with people who chose (or are choosing) STEM careers.  Each station gave the students a chance to meet a professional and explore his/her daily duties. 

After visiting a few stations, we all attended an assembly on brain surgery.  This was Grey's Anatomy meets middle school students, without Dr. McDreamy.  :(

This simulation took students through the process of brain surgery, from early symptoms to recovery.  Humor and science were integrated - perfect for this group.  I even had a few students who participated as volunteers.

My favorite part of SciTech Day was the last session.  The students were able to choose one of six hands-on workshops to visit.  Some of the choices included:

New Medical Technologies
Outbreak
Nanotechnology
Bioengineering

I liked this because it tailored to the students' interests.  Some students later told me that they were able to cross a potential job off their list, while others said they would love to be involved in research of infectious diseases!

In the entertainment design classroom

The last stop of the day was to the Art Institute.  This was the most eye-opening part of our day because we were all able to see how STEM is incorporated into art.  We all have heard about STEM and STEAM, but now there is STEAMIE, STAMPER, and STEMMSS.  Basically, we are talking about school.  The arts are integrated into almost every occupation and this tour showed us how.  We visited the culinary floor, video production, computer animation, and industrial/entertainment design, just to name a few.  One of my students told me that he is trying to figure out a way split his time between CMU and the Art Institute.  And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I call a successful field trip!

Fun selfie on the bus - no, it was not moving! :)

Here's to STEM!
Mrs. Giran