STEM Carib helps cultivate young scientists
(CNS Local Life): The STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Carib 2017 Conference is set for 10-13 October at the University College of the Cayman Islands (UCCI). Hosted by UCCI in partnership with Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (HU), the conference will focus on discoveries, inventions and techniques through interactive sessions led by more than 20 STEM experts, 15 of whom will be attending from North America and the Caribbean.
STEM Carib was established in 2012 to spark young people’s interest in all things science, technology, engineering and mathematics, areas that are the cornerstone of careers in the 21st century, stated a press release. Participants can take part in more than 40 sessions on topics such as gaming, 3D and bioprinting, forensics, cryptocurrencies, food science, marine science, astronomy and engineering. Young scientists who won at the Rotary Science Fair and participated in the inaugural UCCI STEM Camp will also be making presentations.
UCCI President Roy Bodden said of the upcoming event: “This year’s conference takes on added significance since it heralds UCCI’s joint participation with HU. There has been an obvious growing interest in this conference since its inception, and this is anticipated to grow even more with our partnership with HU, which further enlarges the platform for discussion, debate and performance in the STEM areas.
“The conference attracts high-calibre presenters both local and international. More importantly, it is also a clear indication that here at UCCI we are dedicated to the idea that learning is a public good… and we have put this principle into practice in a number of ways.”
The conference will open with a reception, starting at 6pm and featuring a keynote presentation by Francis French, director of the San Diego Air and Space Museum and former director of events for Sally Ride Science. Then on 11 October, Orane Barrett, an MIT alumnus and the Chief Executive Nerd of Kool Nerd Club, will present the morning keynote address at 8am.
The conference will close with a family fun afternoon on 13 October, starting at 1:30pm, which will feature more than 50 exhibits geared towards primary school children. All three events are free and open to the public.
The conference is designed to engage students of all ages and put them face-to-face with positive role models. It also provides an opportunity for the island’s teachers to acquire professional development.
Additionally, the conference offers a platform for networking and sharing best practices for STEM education. Conversations between sessions, during lunch, and on coffee breaks can often lead to revolutions in and outside the classroom, the press release said.
For further information and to register, go to the STEM Carib website
Category: Education, Technology
