Local Barton Community College and Schools Collaborate to Boost STEM Education

Barton Community College has teamed up with local schools to boost STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education. This partnership is part of USD 428’s district-wide reading of the book “Wild Robot,” a book that delves into the workings of robots and their role in STEM fields. Dr. Jenn Bernatis, Barton’s Executive Director of Health, Humanities, and Science, expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stressing the need to give children positive STEM experiences.

In January and February, Barton faculty and staff visited various classes, from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade, to conduct grade-specific activities. A total of 36 sessions were conducted, with participation from instructors and staff from different academic departments. The volunteers, who were experts in their respective fields, incorporated STEM into their activities.

Dr. Bernatis pointed out the advantage of having a diverse group of volunteers. She said it made the sessions more engaging and varied, and it helped the project reach more students. The sessions mainly focused on robots, discussing how they function, move, and their similarities to humans.

The project is part of a larger effort to encourage children to think about careers in STEM. These careers are in high demand and cover a variety of professions. The project's goal is to spark children's interest in STEM fields and motivate them to consider these careers.

For more details about the project or to participate, interested individuals can email stricklandt@bartonccc.edu or call (620) 792-9200.

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