Inspiring urban youth toward science and technology careers through STEM activities

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math.   STEM activities aim to inspire and develop the next generation of scientists and engineers by gathering students together regularly in informal environments to work on inquiry-based, hands-on activities. For more information on this please visit the ‘Community Development’ section under ‘Our Work’.

Recently, SEEDS volunteers launched a pair of five-day STEM camps inside two urban neighborhoods. During the camp, the youth explored solar energy through hands-on activities with solar panels and small motors. Each team made key measurements, then designed and built a solar-powered toy car. On the last day of the camp, the cars raced 10 meters against the clock using only the sun’s energy.

It was remarkable to watch the youth as they made discoveries on their own, shared ideas with their team, and put the ideas into their solar car design. When one idea didn’t work, they learned how to evaluate where improvement was needed, redesign, and test it again until they succeeded.   Along the way they made positive relationships with others on their way toward a better economic future together.