Scholar reports on STEM-based learning camp

I just returned from the National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF): Pathways to STEM learning camp at the University of Minnesota. This was the first time I had traveled away from home without any family, so it was a very different kind of experience. It turned out that those six days gave me the experience of a lifetime, and I hope many others will consider similar STEM-learning opportunities.

STEM is an acronym that stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, and offers students a hands-on approach to problem solving. While participating in the NYLF: Pathways to STEM program, I learned about the fields of medicine, robotics and crime scene investigation, but there is so much more! STEM fields allow us to better understand the universe and ourselves.

STEM-based learning is hands-on, which means students get to do some really cool stuff. At camp we dissected a cow heart, designed and constructed a miniature amusement park ride, and conducted a blood splatter forensic analysis. In all of these cases, cooperation was necessary. For each project, the group assigned individuals with tasks and duties, which helped us to share the workload and navigate challenges. The result was an effective workflow. Even better, under these circumstances, I could see that my skills were both needed and useful.

This kind of learning is fast-paced and requires equal involvement from all students. Everyone needs to be alert and engaged when dissecting a cow heart with extremely sharp scissors. Those working together learn the most important rule of collaboration: no bullying!

It is quite likely that I will remember the activities from camp for a long time, after all, we built a robot and later learned to identify and treat venomous snake bites. I even learned how to apply a splint.

STEM education includes a broad scope of topics, but I'm beginning to think that there are some larger themes as well. STEM learning teaches students how to be present and communicate clearly. It also builds skills for real-life experiences, like high school, college or even working at NASA. Most of all, STEM education means an increased ability for people to solve complex problems, even in dire circumstances.

I spent a long time waiting to attend the NYLF: Pathways to STEM program. I was first nominated as a fourth grader and was set to go during the summer of 2020. Due to the pandemic conditions, I opted to wait a year. What a long year it was. Many times I worried that camp would be delayed again. Now that it's all behind me, I feel relieved, inspired and ready for whatever middle school has to offer!