Virtual STEM Workshops for Spring Break

A STEM student project in the works. Photo provided.A STEM student project in the works. Photo provided.
By Andrea McDermott, Program Associate at The Future of Work—

Muncie, IN—Build connections with your youth exploring STEM together. Ivy Tech Community Engagement and The Future of Work are partnering to offer free Virtual STEM Workshops for youth.The workshops are led by Ivy Tech faculty and feature five unique projects for pre-k through middle school that provide practical and engaging opportunities to reinforce scientific concepts through hands-on activities.  In addition to hands-on instruction, Ivy Tech faculty introduce connections with local educational options and career pathways. A supply list and instruction sheet for each video are also included, with many projects using common household and craft items.“These activities serve as a great way to engage students in STEM learning while also exposing them to in-demand, high-wage career options,” said Alisa Wells, Director of Wraparound Services and Community Support at Ivy Tech. “We are excited to help students explore engineering, science and technology, and learn from the talented and diverse instructors teaching at the Ivy Tech Muncie campus,” said Kyra Zylstra, Director of The Future of Work. “This is a great project to do together and engage youth in STEM learning, expose them to real college instructors, and learn about potential career options along the way.”Additionally, through generous funding provided by the Ball Brothers Foundation, a limited number of sample packets with supplies and learning tools that accompany each of the instructional videos will be distributed to local youth-serving organizations and families. Families who would like to pick up a supply kit can stop by the Madjax building courtyard (behind the big Madjax truck at 514 E. Jackson St.) on Monday, March 22 from 4:00-6:00p.m. while supplies last. Virtual STEM Projects:

  • Conductive Playdough Circuits (Pre-K-2nd Grade)
  • Balloon-Powered Lego Car (Pre-K-2nd Grade)
  • LED Nametag (3rd-5th Grade)
  • Hydraulic Machine (6th-8th Grade)
  • Wobble Bot (6th-8th Grade)

View the videos and supply lists here: https://sustainablemuncie.org/virtual-stem-workshops/

Connect with MTEN (Muncie Technology and Engineering Network) for more STEM learning opportunities: https://www.facebook.com/mtenmucie