Chippewa Valley Times

The sophomore class from Menomonie High School recently explored career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through hands-on workshops at the University of Wisconsin-Stout. This event allowed 225 students to engage in various activities such as anatomy, automation, psychology, physics, proteins, thermodynamics, natural history, and more.

National STEAM Day on November 8th serves to introduce young students to careers in these fields. Biology Lecturer Tiffany Hoage explained that "each workshop was designed to inspire curiosity and highlight UW-Stout’s unique polytechnic focus." The event aimed to give students a real-world glimpse into STEAM disciplines and their relevance for future careers.

Principal Casey Drake of Menomonie High School noted that STEAM Day aligns with the school's Academic and Career Planning process. "We appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with UW-Stout," said Drake. "We have the same goal of providing outstanding learning experiences for our area’s youth."

UW-Stout also offers summer camps for middle and high school students to explore science-related career paths while developing creativity and critical thinking skills.

In one workshop titled "The Body Electric," led by Dr. Alex Hall and biology Lecturer Shelby Saenger, students learned about how muscles, nerves, and the heart use electricity for signaling. They observed electrical impulses from muscle contractions and heartbeats using electrodes.

Another workshop focused on testing food and water quality in a lab setting. Food science faculty member Taejo Kim emphasized the importance of engaging activities that connect scientific concepts with real-world applications.

Students also explored automation processes in Fryklund Hall's Motion Controls Lab under engineering technology Program Director Mike Miller's guidance. Miller explained automation circuits' setup using various trainers.

More than 65 faculty members were involved in organizing this event alongside Hoage and Drake. UW-Stout collaborates with Menomonie High School on several educational initiatives including Direct Admit programs.