When people ask, “what is STEM?” The Works answers by saying, "STEM is everything we do!". STEM stands for Science Technology Engineering and Math, all of which are a part of programming at The Works. 

Every program presented, whether through a school tour, activities throughout the museum, attending an industry tour or participating in an outreach program, has STEM framework aligned to state of Ohio content standards for education. In addition to regular programming, The Works also hosts several special STEM activities throughout the yea that are listed below.

STEM initiatives also include partnership with, and participation from, various local businesses in STEM-related industries. These partners are instrumental in the success of STEM programming and vital to demonstrate real-world application of STEM education. STEM business partners participate in special events and activities to highlight their business, show what impact they have on the community, educate children and young adults on professions within their organization, and recruit future interns and/or employees from the local community.

• STEMfest!
  STEMfest! is a new event at The Works that combines the best of Science Night and TECHfest!. STEMfest! is all about teaching high school students the importance of real-world math, science, and engineering problem solving. Local businesses in STEM-related fields propose "challenges" for students to solve individually or as a group. Students have approximately one month to use problem solving skills and the scientific method to figure out the best solution to the challenge. On the day of STEMfest! the students present their solution and rationale as to why it's the best to the industry. Industry leaders then discuss findings with students and rate the solution. Participating students may even be awarded internship opportunities from business partners!
  
  STEMfest! also has a variety of activities for the entire family including participating in their own problem solving challenge, visiting industry booth to learn more about local businesses and internship/employment opportunities and watching interactive science demonstrations and shows.

• STEM Science Night
  Science Night at The Works involves industry and post-secondary institutions such as Denison, COTC and OSU-Newark. Local science professionals and college students visit The Works to show kids the "WOW" factor of science through a variety of hands-on demonstrations and experiments. All facets of science are explored including neuroscience, chemical reactions, digital media and illusions. This is a great event for children of all ages to become excited and engaged with science!

• STEM Summer Industry Tours
  Summer Industry Tours are a great way to get a sneak peak behind the scenes glimpse of local businesses in STEM-related industries. Attendees hop on a bus that leaves The Works for a field trip to a specific businesses for a tour, to get a better understanding of how the business impacts the community and learn about possible career opportunities.

• STEM Summer Camps
  STEM Summer Camps highlight a different aspect of STEM education each summer. In 2011, the topic is Chemistry followed by Information Technology in 2012. These camps encourage middle and high school aged students to become interested and involved in science, technology, engineering and math while exploring future career paths and the higher education needed to pursue such a career.

• STEM Industry Days At The Works
  A few times per year, The Works welcomes a local business into the museum for an afternoon to showcase who they are, what they do and how they impact the community. This expo-type of event is a great opportunity to learn more about specific businesses, network with professionals and discover employment and/or internship opportunities.
  

The Works STEM Programs also includes Distance Learning Programs that allow us to expand our educational footprint and reach children in classrooms across the state, country or even the world through video conferencing technology. Through a partnership with Interactive Learning and Collaboration, The Works is able to provide great distance learning programs to educators everywhere! 

For more information regrading STEM Programs, please contact The Works at 740-349-9277.

STEM Education is proudly sponsored by:


STEM Education Partners: