1,000 Gr. 4-8 students to learn critical thinking and problem solving through hands-on experiences taught by real-world professionals
(Tucson AZ) On November 22, 2019, 1,000 students (Grades 4-8) will explore areas of science that ignite their passion at the annual Arizona STEM Adventure held by SARSEF.
The event is a part of SARSEF’s year-round educational outreach and will take place at Pima Community College – Northwest Campus (7600 North Shannon Road, Tucson, AZ 85709) on November 22, 2019, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Students will use critical thinking skills to explore a variety of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields and spark interest in related career paths. Meanwhile, their teachers will attend a professional development workshop that will train them to integrate state standards and bring the excitement of research back to their own classroom along with ~$150 worth of supplies.
The event will include 300 volunteers who are mostly students, faculty, and staff of Pima Community College as well as over 30 exhibitors from organizations throughout the state providing hands-on activities to the students. For one volunteer in particular, even a move up to the Phoenix area will not deter her from getting involved.
“It’s such a great opportunity for students. We’re exposing them to things they may not have found on their own like anatomy and robotics. Sometimes they consider these subjects boring at school, but Arizona STEM Adventure turns it into something fun and hands on,” Jennifer McFee shared. This year will be her third time volunteering for the event.
McFee is a Pima Community College alumna and a current student in the first cohort to begin a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Arizona College of Nursing’s new campus in Gilbert, Arizona. While she has found her way to a career in science, she did not always have the same access to engage with science in a meaningful way.
“It’s so rewarding to be able to spend time with these kids and to be a part of their learning process,” McFee shared. “I didn’t really have these kinds of experiences when I was an elementary or middle school student. I wish I had been able to go to something like this too.”
This year, over 30 elementary and middle schools from 17 districts around the state will participate.
SARSEF partners with Pima Community College NW Campus, Raytheon, IBM, STEMAZing, and UA STEM Learning Center to make the event possible.
“Arizona STEM Adventure is about students and teachers building confidence in STEM fields,” Julie Euber, COO of SARSEF, shared. “We want them to take what they learn, and what they’re excited about, back into the classroom so that more students are able to identify their own potential in STEM.”
If you are interested in volunteering for Arizona STEM Adventure, contact Euber at julie@sarsef.org or visit the event’s website, https://azstemadventure.org/.
About SARSEF:
SARSEF was formed in 1955 in an effort to increase student interest in the field of science. The mission of SARSEF is to teach Arizona’s K-12 critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through inquiry-based learning and research.
SARSEF accomplishes this mission through a variety of programming including SARSEF Research Fair Week, educational outreach programs with an emphasis on underrepresented populations in the sciences, teacher professional development, ACES Camp for Middle School girls, Racing the Sun, and Arizona STEM Adventure.
Over 795 professionals in the community volunteer for SARSEF each year, and 145 organizations support its programs financially.
Media Contact:
Julie Euber, COO
SARSEF
812-340-8663
julie@sarsef.org