Ponchatoula Area Recreation District (PARD) hosted STEM Café on Saturday, September 16, at Gymnasium #1. Students in three grade level groups (PK-5, 6-8, and 9-12) were invited to explore the fascinating world of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and to engage in interactive demonstrations by several exhibitors. Attendees were introduced to concepts in pneumatic energy, noise dosimetry, thermal reactions, robotics, and several other technological marvels during the morn-ing event. Resources were even on-site to inform upperclassmen of various emerging STEM-related careers.
Community STEM Cafés, which are fun events for entire families, are designed to excite and inspire youth in STEM, to help parents support their children’s development, and to build relationships, recognizing and celebrating STEM in our communities. These collaborative events are powered by local STEM professionals, educators, clubs, teams, and community organizations to bring free, accessible, quality STEM activities to communities.
Led by Southeastern Louisiana University and Northshore Technical Community College in partnership with LaSTEM, the Northshore area’s five parishes (Livingston, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington) comprise the LaSTEM Region 9, which supports the mission and goals of LaSTEM to connect, collaborate, and more effectively build future STEM opportunities. For more information, visit www. northshorestem.org.
(Times Photo)