December 2, 2019 (Jackson, Miss.) - Science and math students from Jackson Prep, Clinton High School, Hartfield Academy, and St. Augustine School attended Belhaven's Big Stem Event and became scientists for a day.
The event on Monday, November 4 gave the high school students a hands-on laboratory experience, unique to their academic discipline. Students also participated in the STEM Challenge Competition, testing their knowledge, critical thinking, and creativity.
“The Belhaven Big STEM Event is a unique event,” said Dr. John Estes, assistant professor and mathematics chair at Belhaven University. “Participating students got a chance to work alongside college professors and other math and science majors in a very engaging way, an experience uncommon to high schoolers.”
The 73 students had the opportunity to interact with Belhaven's math and science professors. They participated in engaging STEM activities ranging from taking cardiograms in biology and extracting caffeine in chemistry to studying the Traveling Salesman Problem in mathematics. Students also heard from special guest speakers like Dr. Josh Speed, Belhaven chemistry alum and assistant professor of physiology at University of Mississippi Medical Center.
Estes adds, “They also had the chance to see new concepts in mathematics, chemistry, and biology while also applying creativity and critical thinking in the STEM Challenge Competition. I believe everyone who participated walked away with something they had never done before.”