The 50th annual Ohio Junior Science and Humanities Symposium was held with much success at Bowling Green State University on March 20-22. 84 high school students from around the region converged upon BGSU to compete for college scholarships at the symposium, which has been held on the campus at BGSU for the last sixteen years. Dr. Karen S. Bjorkman, Distinguished University Professor of Astronomy from the University of Toledo, was the Keynote speaker and addressed the budding scientists with an engaging lecture on “Exploring the Universe in the 21st Century”. She holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and has provided significant service to the international astronomical community and is heavily involved in education and public outreach. Said Blythe Tipping, Ohio JSHS Assistant Coordinator and Science teacher at Sylvania Southview High School, “The keynote speaker, Karen Bjorkman, was extremely intelligent and engaging, revealing to the audience many of the changes in astronomy that have occurred this past decade and how they relate to the future of research.  Many of my students spoke very highly of the presentation.” She also stated, “In general, OJSHS is challenging and intimidating, yet extremely rewarding for all of the students.  This is something that is consistent every year.  The students that attend the program are typically some of the best and brightest in the state of Ohio.”

The gold medal first place winner for research papers was awarded to Bluyé DeMessie of William Mason High School who presented, “Sustainable and Low Cost Approach for Cleaning Metal Contaminated Water Using Pyrolyzed Banana Peels”.

Second place was awarded to Peeyush Shrivastava, also of William Mason High School, who presented, “Investigations into CaMKII Regulation of Cardiac Excitability”. These two students will present their papers at the National JSHS. Continue reading →

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) values the importance of supporting girls in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) as part of its mission to break through barriers for women and girls. Its research, policy, and nationwide programs encourage members to work from their own communities to ensure that equity is reached in these important fields.

“Tech Trek” is a weeklong STEM summer camp designed to develop interest, excitement, and self-confidence in young women who are entering the eighth grade. “Tech Trek” started in 1998 with one site in California and in 14 years has grown to 10 camps on eight college campuses across the state. In summer 2011, the camp was featured on CBS Evening News.

Attending camp on a college or university campus helps girls — especially those whose parents may not have gone to college — to see themselves seeking higher education. The university campus experience gives girls a chance to think about the kinds of opportunities a college education can afford them. Camp field trips encourage maximum interaction and instruction in environments where STEM professionals work. Girls are immersed in a world in which they are empowered by their capabilities and encouraged to think about themselves not just as young women but also as future scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists. Continue reading →

A local northwest Ohio parochial high school, Cardinal Stritch, is paving the way for future success for its students through the launching of an innovative, state of the art STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Medicine) initiative. This program is notable, in part, because of the community partnerships from nearby BP Husky, Toledo Refining Company, and two hospitals, that have enhanced the program providing additional resources. Mercy College, The Andersons, Owens Corning, and others are also on board. Originating from the concept to better prepare students for their futures and the demand for skilled workers in STEMM related fields, Father Eric Schild, president of Cardinal Stritch stated, “The goal of the program is to offer an educational experience to better prepare students for mission-critical careers. While we will never cease striving for excellence in the other academic subject areas, we must provide our students with the knowledge that will help them be ready for what lies ahead of them.”

As a result of a remarkable fundraising campaign, the school built an engineering lab through renovation and added 20 new computer stations equipped with CAD (Computer Aided Design) software. All freshmen in the class of 2016 received an iPad in the fall, as utilizing one-to-one technology is one of the keys for success. Older students may take advantage of four laptop and iPad carts placed in classrooms and all teachers were given iPads prior to the start of the school year to increase engagement. More advanced classes such as robotics and molecular biology have been added, as these classes better train students in the growing job fields. Special lectures from experts in the various fields will be offered to engage students about the exciting opportunities in STEMM related fields. Continue reading →

Housed at the former DeVilbiss High School on Upton Avenue, the Toledo Technology Academy (TTA) is a success story for Toledo Public Schools. TTA, one of two Toledo Public magnet high schools, scores in the top academic tier of schools in Ohio. The academy is transforming the way students learn and develop 21st century skills by offering real world experiences and classes not found in a more traditional high school curriculum. Because TTA is working so well, administrators are looking into developing a K-12 STEMM- focused campus, including a new K-8 building, devoted to a science, technology, engineering, math, and medicine (STEMM) curriculum. This concept is a popular trend in education; and school leaders argue that programs focused on those disciplines prepare students for growing industries with available, well-paying jobs. The concept is also amenable to project-based learning and tends to be popular with parents.

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