PCEC News
Partnership with Grand Rapids Public Museum Creates STEM Learning Opportunities for K-12 Student Campers
July 26, 2021
As part of a long-standing partnership between GVSU Padnos College of Engineering & Computing (PCEC) Outreach and the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM), K-12 students participating in GRPM's Camp Curious this summer visited PCEC for STEM-related activities and tours.
The GRPM Fun Tech campers explored the workings of electrical circuits, computer programming, augmented reality and other fun tech to harness the power of creativity. They used a variety of programmable electronics, robotics materials, and tech to bring their ideas to life. PCEC Outreach planned experiential learning activities that aligned with the GRPM’s current exhibit, Amazing Pollinators. Students made Mason Bee hives out of recycled cans and paper tubes and learned about Mason Bees, homemade hives, and how to hang/maintain their hives. The Mason Bee hives will provide a fun engineered environment for solitary bees next spring.
Campers also had an opportunity to tour GVSU Pew Campus facilities, the Kennedy Hall of Engineering and the Keller Engineering Laboratories, and learn about career opportunities in STEM. They spoke with School of Engineering students about the GVSU Racing Team and W8GVU Ham Radio Council, and explored the rooftop radio communications equipment, solar panels, and gardens.
“Our partnership with the Grand Rapids Public Museum creates wonderful opportunities for students to learn about STEM and we are thrilled when we are able to host them on campus and get them excited about future educational and career opportunities,” said Sara Maas, PCEC Outreach Coordinator. The Kennedy Hall of Engineering and the Keller Engineering Laboratories are only a short walking distance from GRPM. “We’ve been supporting one another’s programming for years,” explained Maas. “It’s great that we are able to team up to create exciting learning opportunities for our youth.”
Visit the PCEC K-12 & Community Outreach website.