The Peninsula, 3/9
Wayne State University offers first annual STEM Day
In a show of support for careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), Wayne State University is set to host its first annual STEM Day on Tuesday, March 14-also known as Pi Day. A free event, WSU's STEM Day will offer an opportunity to teachers, their classes, as well as individual and home-schooled students to come out and take a tour of the campus, with a complimentary lunch to go along with them. Sixth through ninth grade students will be able to participate in two hands-on activities that will immerse them in STEM activities. "We're expecting 1,000 teachers and students on our campus for the inaugural STEM Day," Julie Hasse, WSU's manager of student outreach and content strategy, said. "We're thrilled by the initial response to this important event, and we're excited that so many students from Detroit and surrounding communities will be able to experience these unique activities related to STEM." The list of activities planned for the day include a Pie Off competition, fire tornados, seaweed tissue repair, planetarium shows, liquid nitrogen ice cream and walking on water. "It's great to see Wayne State University take a leading role in bringing middle school students to its campus to learn about STEM," State Superintendent Brian Whiston said. "Initiatives like STEM Day will go a long way toward creating a skilled workforce and charting a path of success for all Michigan students, and helping Michigan become a Top 10 education state in 10 years."