Day of Discovery Engages Middle School Students in STEM Learning
Posted April 2, 2024 — As part of the Middle School Postsecondary Readiness Project, a program supported by a generous grant from the Rockwell Fund, the Advancing Community Engagement and Service (ACES) Institute provided approximately 100 students with an interactive science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experience at the University of Houston.
Day of Discovery was a multi-departmental effort to increase interest in STEM while simultaneously introducing students to life on the UH campus.
The ACES Institute and the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics (NSM) partnered to deliver multiple hands-on learning experiences for middle school students. With the guidance of Cougar Tutors, students moved from building to building to experience different activities. Students explored biomedical engineering, mechanical engineering, environmental science and even artificial intelligence.
“This event reminded students that science is fun! It taught me the importance of being a good role model for students,” said Emma Kuo, a Cougar Tutor.
At the end of their day, students received a tour from Public Art of the University of Houston System (Public Art UHS) and had lunch at Cougar Woods.
The ACES Institute and NSM hope to inspire these students to attend college and follow a STEM related field. Now, more than ever, it is important to provide students with rich real-world learning experiences. The ACES Institute continues to address high school dropout prevention by targeting middle school students struggling academically.
— By Raul Rosa