Michele Meyers
In Motion Staff Writer
Ben Ewers, a student with the Daytona State College Science Club, stood atop a small platform that was spinning in circles, as he held what resembled a bike tire, also rotating continuously. Gabriel Mann, a student at Cypress Creek Elementary in Port Orange, could barely contain his excitement as he waited his turn to use the perpetual motion wheel.
“This gives them inspiration. They want to learn things. Work to effect change. Gabriel is in a STEM club at his school,” says his mother, Crisinda Mann.
Giving kids hands-on activities in the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM is what STEMFEST is all about and Volusia County’s was no exception. Organized by Daytona Stadium — also known as Daytona Municipal Stadium on LPGA Boulevard — in collaboration with Volusia County Schools, the event brought STEM experts from NASA, Solar Speedway, Battle Beach Battlebots, local colleges and universities.
NASA’s “space farmer,” Dr. Gioia Massa, believes wholeheartedly in the benefits of educating children, as well as educators. “My teacher was inspired by researchers here at Kennedy Space Center and part of a teacher training workshop. I am proof that those work!”
DSC’s Science Club prominently displayed the periodic table and a multitude of scientific experiments. Dr. Jennifer Bell, Assistant Professor in the School of Biological and Physical Science, was excited to be invited to participate.
“My love of science motivates me. STEMFEST is a tool used to get kids excited about science. Everything in there was supposed to be hands-on activities so they got to play in science every day. Take kind of a ‘golly gee’ approach to science.”