WEST ORANGE, NJ — The third annual “Fun with STEM” program, sponsored by the West Orange African Heritage Organization, was held June 17 at Edison Middle School.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics studies have become increasingly popular over the past several years in high schools and college campuses across the country. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that science and engineering careers will grow by 23.5 percent between 2010 and 2020. This is outpaced only by health care professionals and technicians at 25.9 percent.
Eighteen presenters in a variety of STEM-related fields, as well as health care, spent the day at Edison presenting their careers to students in fun ways. Presenters traveled from as far away as Staten Island to volunteer their time to engage students in STEM activities.
Aminah Baxter and Kenicia McGarrigle, who both attended West Orange schools and graduated from West Orange High School in 2012, present an “origami math” class. Baxter has a college degree in mathematics and will be teaching ninth-grade math in Newark; McGarrigle graduated from college with a bachelor’s degree in social and behavioral sciences and a minor in sociology.
David Emmerling, owner of Midnight Media in Millburn, a motion picture and videotape production studio, filmed clips with students in front of a green screen. Harry Roman, semi-retired electrical and environmental engineer, helped students design a version of a hoverboard.
Chemist Jennifer Kulik discussed ingredient properties and the process of developing new products. Microbiologist Arthur Romanchuk ran DNA and microbes activities to identify the DNA of strawberries. Civil engineer Ronald Raymond discussed the profession, including clean energy solutions.
Other presenters included: mechanical engineer Brent Caldwell; physical therapist Katherine Cwiklinski; web technologist Omari Edwards; environmental scientist Gary Conger; astrophysicist Charles Liu; graphic designer Christine Mauro, STEM expert Jerry Norcia; physician assistant Julie Black-Peart; architect Wilson Woodridge; emergency room physician Dr. Tony Wright; and occupational therapist Beau Younker.
“We are always so grateful to have these talented professionals take out the time to share their professions with our students,” EMS Assistant Principal Steve Melendez said in a press release. “We appreciate the WOAHO for their hard work and efforts to make this day happen, and students really enjoyed learning about STEM opportunities.”
Photos Courtesy of Cynthia Cumming
WOAHO sponsors third annual ‘Fun with STEM’ program at Edison Middle School added by Editor on
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