Kids explore a world of STEM opportunities

After two years of virtual experiments, local students returned to hands-on science with San Jacinto College's STEM expos in November.

A team effort with Communities in Schools of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County afterschool programs, the expos sparked elementary and junior high students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math education and careers. Students also got an inside look at some health science fields, which require STEM classes.

North Campus hosted an expo on Nov. 10, and South Campus on Nov. 17. Together, they welcomed 750 students and their family members.

College STEM and health science faculty and students volunteered to demonstrate robotics, dissections, new Anatomage virtual cadaver tables, and more.

NASA Johnson Space Center representatives also hosted a booth featuring the International Space Station and a Space Loteria game.

"We were excited to be back face to face with our students and families for the STEM Expo," said Cheryl Sellers, community relations director for CIS of Southeast Harris and Brazoria County. "Not only does this event allow students to explore activities that spark their interest in STEM fields, but it also touches on college and career components and STEM enrichment activities we hold during our afterschool program hours."