LOS ALAMITOS, Calif — Today, May 23, multiple STEM clubs on campus are working to host the LAHS STEM Expo from 3:30-6 p.m.
STEM, which stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (not to be confused with STEAM, which includes Art), is associated with subjective reasoning and theory. The event organizers hope to share and promote STEM to the LAHS community because of how it promotes critical thinking and problem solving, along with allowing for collaboration and innovation between students.
“Once you know STEM, you can basically do anything. I feel like anything that has a basis, you can do that,” event organizer and Innovation Club member Hossegor Harman said.
The event, which will take place around the quad area after school today, will feature showcases from multiple LAHS STEM-related clubs and interactive events. Along with demos from volunteers, the expo will also host three guest speakers, including former alumni and Cal Poly Pomona graduate Steve Sotelo, a member of the Discover The Stars nonprofit organization Michael Beckage and the current STEM teacher at Oak Middle School, Christopher Miko. Among the clubs participating are the school’s Science Olympiad, Automotive Club, the Robotics and USA Biolympiad teams, Engineering Society and much more.
While the expo is open for all members of the community, the event is aimed specifically at LAHS high school students so that the clubs involved can increase their membership. Even if someone might not be interested in STEM, the organizers think that participating anyway can help to “foster an interest” and maybe “find something that you enjoy” like mechanical engineering or 3D printing.
“STEM at its core, isn’t about certain subjects. Yes, it’s about science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but really it’s just about the way of thinking that you use in those subjects, which is definitely applicable to every field,” Harman said.
Last week, flyers linking to a Google Form were handed out and posted on campus in search of volunteers. In exchange for volunteer hours, students can help organize the event, set up and help out visitors with directions and club demos.
“The volunteers will be helping those demos so that students (who) attend the Innovation Expo will be able to get a full experience of what STEM has to offer,” event organizer Ethan Goddard said.
In the future, a club expo or even a STEM fair for LAHS next year is possible, with the organizers trying to work with Curriculum Assistant Principal David Platt to make it even bigger. A second event might also include access to the gym area, along with a stage for speakers and a microphone. While the STEM Expo team is still working on the logistics of such an event, they know they’ve still got a full year ahead of them to figure it out.
