JA Ignites STEM Spark in Orleans Parish Middle Schoolers at Delgado Community College
Imagine a room full of wide-eyed middle schoolers, bubbling with curiosity and excitement. That was the scene at Delgado Community College on a recent JA Middle School STEM Career Exploration Day, where Orleans Parish students embarked on a thrilling journey into the world of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
Delgado's campus was transformed into a playground of discovery, with each classroom offering a glimpse into a potential future career. Students donned lab goggles and cracked open the secrets of chemistry, exploring sustainable packing materials under the guidance of Delgado's Science Laboratory Technology program. The age-old Styrofoam peanut faced a challenger: cornstarch-based packing peanuts, a greener alternative these young minds helped test and compare. To their surprise, they discovered Styrofoam lurking in unexpected places, even their own running shoes! Witnessing the laboratory technicians' dedication to developing eco-friendly solutions sparked a sense of environmental stewardship in the students and the tangible role they can play through a career in science.
Healthcare heroes of tomorrow also took center stage. The students delved into the world of medical training, immersing themselves in a mock-hospital learning lab. Delgado Charity School of Nursing and Delgado School of Allied Health brought to life the world of ultrasound technology, neonatal care, and phlebotomy. With each beat of a simulated heart on the ultrasound screen and every gentle touch on a lifelike baby doll, the students felt the calling of healthcare tug at their hearts.
But the journey didn't stop there. Technology and engineering beckoned next, with electrical-electronics engineering practice igniting a passion for circuits, and 3D printing applications showcasing the power of imagination turned into reality. Students even got to channel their inner river engineers, learning how geologists work to help control the flow of water for commerce and protection of resources – a crucial skill in our ever-changing world.
Throughout the day, the students were more than just observers; they were active participants. They engaged in lively discussions with professionals and educators. Each interaction, each experiment, each piece of knowledge shared, fueled their curiosity and ignited a spark for a future in STEM.
JA's Middle School STEM Career Exploration Day is a testament to JA’s unwavering commitment to empowering young minds. By opening doors to diverse STEM fields and fostering meaningful connections with professionals, JA is planting the seeds for a future generation of innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers. In the eyes of these Orleans Parish students, the world of STEM is no longer a distant concept; it's a playground of possibilities, waiting to be explored and shaped by their own creativity and determination.