The Center for STEM+eXcellence kicks off spring programming

The Center for STEM+eXcellence at Morehead State University kicked off spring and summer programming this week with an event at Morehead State's Space Science Center.

Local fourth and fifth-grade students are participating in the Curiosity Lab Electronic Makers Edition, which includes learning about the fundamentals of electricity and electronics, soldering, designing a dancing robot to race with other students, and completing a public presentation. 

"It is exciting for our organization to see how students go from only a basic understanding to developing tangible working knowledge of a concept in such a short amount of time," said Center Director Jennifer Carter. "The students enjoy their time while also learning collaboration, confidence building, and public speaking skills."  

The Center for STEM+eXcellence is utilizing a $4.2 million-dollar Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund grant to implement a region-wide two-year STEM+X-based series of summer and academic year programs for K-12 students across the state. This initiative will provide an opportunity for Kentucky students to overcome academic barriers created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The STEM+X comes from curriculum designed for the Craft Academy for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, with +X representing three focus areas: Creativity and Design, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Civic and Regional Engagement.

For additional information about summer and fall programming from the Center for STEM+eXcellence, call 606-783-2300 or email Program Coordinator Brenda Porter at b.porter@moreheadstate.edu.

Photo Caption: Rowan County 4th grader Simon Crowder put new knowledge into action by rolling up his sleeves, putting on safety glasses, and learning how to solder with the "I can solder" badge kit.