It’s only been halfway through the semester, and Wilson’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs are ready to showcase their latest projects. On Oct. 20th, Wilson hosted its annual Quad STEM night in the gym.
Wilson HS has long prided itself in its range of academic extracurriculars, in which there is no shortage of. At this event alone, programs such as Science Olympiad, Code Team, Robotics, Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), and others gather in the gym in a festival-style fashion in order to show off their latest creations alongside other schools in the district. Schools such as Wedgeworth, Grazide, Cedarlane, and Mesa with K-8 students are invited to attend and exhibit their own projects as well fuel their interest in any one of the displayed topics.
This event aims to bring together the STEM programs of all schools into a single event to get students interested in STEM topics, and for younger students to be able to explore different types of sciences. Seemingly broad categories have many deviations, as a student interested in coding would also have the ability to focus on computer programming, cybersecurity, and robotics.
Isabel Ku (12), who is a part of the CODE and Cyber Team, and represented the Cyber Team at the event, shares her exhibit at STEM night.
“This year, I am representing the Cyber Team. We are planning to showcase a map of cyber threats, a watch that spawns fake Wi-Fi, a Vulnerability Pong game, and an escape-room-like Cipher Chamber game. For CODE Team, we are planning to showcase projects and games that we have created, along with an unplugged “Make a Path” activity,” she details.
Ku also shares her experience in the CODE pathways, and how she learned about all the programs she is now a part of today.
“As someone who has been a part of the CODE Team and Cyber Team all four years and completed the computer science pathway, I have learned tons, from how different technologies communicate to prevention of cyber attacks to web development. On the nontechnical side, I learned how to lead, collaborate, and communicate with others,” she says.
Another student, Emily Chang (12), a representative for Science Olympiad and HOSA, expresses her role durimg STEM night.
“I am showcasing Science Olympiad and HOSA, and something I have been working on recently is forming the Mesa HOSA Chapter at Mesa Robles Middle School.” she explains.
Chang also shares her experience in these programs over the years she has been involved.
“From STEM, I have learned that trial and error is key. I hope to major in Cellular Molecular and Developmental Biology in college. My favorite part about this program is the friends I have made along the way, and some fun memories include touring the Stanford campus and eating with my friends for Science Olympiad!” she shares.
Lastly, Hedy Yang (11), a representative of HOSA, details her experience and her showcase at STEM night.
“I was mainly showcasing organ specimens for the biomedical pathway. I explained the basic function of the lungs of a pig and the heart and kidneys of a sheep while allowing the visitors to touch them with gloves on as well.” she explains.
Yang then shares what she learned by actively participating in the pathway.
“STEM has taught me a lot of crucial educational skills such as problem solving, critical thinking, and leadership. I will continue to use the skills I developed here in the future.” She recalls.
All in all, the community effort displayed by several schools in the district show a deep dedication to educating all students about STEM. Now, all that is left to see is when the efforts of today pay off in the results of the future.
