Medway High School, WeSTEM Club Adapts Annual STEM Fair to Provide Virtual and In-Person Experiences
Principal John Murray and WeSTEM club advisers Shanley Heller and Kristy Macedo are pleased to announce that the Medway High School WeSTEM club recently held its annual STEM fair.
What is usually an in-person, hands-on learning experience transformed this year into a series of engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs held both virtually and in person.
“Despite the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, we were very excited to be able to find a way to hold this year’s fair and help students learn about the many fascinating topics, opportunities and careers in the STEM field,” Heller said. “I would like to recognize Lilly Woodard, WeSTEM president, for her outstanding job organizing the fair and motivating our club. Kristy also worked tirelessly to coordinate the logistics for the in-person students, allowing us to hold the in-person portion of the fair safely.”
On Friday, April 16, students were able to choose from 18, half-hour workshops taught by professionals from a variety of fields. Session topics ranged from thermal shock testing to modeling wind turbines to how to apply for a research position.
One workshop allowed students to act as the public health director and make recommendations about whether a new diagnostic test should be approved for use.
Framingham State University’s Nutrition Club hosted “How to Build the Perfect Cookie” where they demonstrated the science of the different ingredients in a recipe. The program was followed by a discussion about a career in dietetics as well as health and wellness.
Another program titled “High School to STEM Major: Tips and Tricks from MHS Alumni,” allowed students to hear firsthand from Amanda Heafey and Olivia Dennehy, two MHS and WeSTEM alumni, about how a Medway High School student transitions to college as a STEM major.
WeSTEM’s leadership team this year includes President Lilly Woodard, Vice President Isabelle Basso, Secretary Nora Sullivan, Treasurer Rebecca Chleboski and Historian Julia Francis. Several additional club members helped to organize the fair, including Arni Potnis, Hannah Marsh, Alex Montana, Katie Gage, Julia Madrona, Addison Thompson and Ava Fahey.
“Continuing the fair in this non-traditional way was a monumental task for our WeSTEM club, and I would like to congratulate them on a successful event. The adaptability of our teachers and students during this time continues to be impressive and inspiring,” Principal Murray said. “I would also like to thank the many professionals and community members who presented sessions for our students on the many exciting STEM fields.”
What is usually an in-person, hands-on learning experience transformed this year into a series of engaging science, technology, engineering and mathematics programs held both virtually and in person.
“Despite the continued challenges posed by the pandemic, we were very excited to be able to find a way to hold this year’s fair and help students learn about the many fascinating topics, opportunities and careers in the STEM field,” Heller said. “I would like to recognize Lilly Woodard, WeSTEM president, for her outstanding job organizing the fair and motivating our club. Kristy also worked tirelessly to coordinate the logistics for the in-person students, allowing us to hold the in-person portion of the fair safely.”
On Friday, April 16, students were able to choose from 18, half-hour workshops taught by professionals from a variety of fields. Session topics ranged from thermal shock testing to modeling wind turbines to how to apply for a research position.
One workshop allowed students to act as the public health director and make recommendations about whether a new diagnostic test should be approved for use.
Framingham State University’s Nutrition Club hosted “How to Build the Perfect Cookie” where they demonstrated the science of the different ingredients in a recipe. The program was followed by a discussion about a career in dietetics as well as health and wellness.
Another program titled “High School to STEM Major: Tips and Tricks from MHS Alumni,” allowed students to hear firsthand from Amanda Heafey and Olivia Dennehy, two MHS and WeSTEM alumni, about how a Medway High School student transitions to college as a STEM major.
WeSTEM’s leadership team this year includes President Lilly Woodard, Vice President Isabelle Basso, Secretary Nora Sullivan, Treasurer Rebecca Chleboski and Historian Julia Francis. Several additional club members helped to organize the fair, including Arni Potnis, Hannah Marsh, Alex Montana, Katie Gage, Julia Madrona, Addison Thompson and Ava Fahey.
“Continuing the fair in this non-traditional way was a monumental task for our WeSTEM club, and I would like to congratulate them on a successful event. The adaptability of our teachers and students during this time continues to be impressive and inspiring,” Principal Murray said. “I would also like to thank the many professionals and community members who presented sessions for our students on the many exciting STEM fields.”
