Saturday afternoon, hundreds of children and parents attended the second annual NeoCity STEM Day, celebrating science, technology, engineering, and math through interactive demos and hands-on activities.
An extensive list of companies, agencies, and academic institutions had exhibit booths and fun STEM activities. Participating children received a “passport” upon registration and collected stamps at each display to enter the grand prize drawing for a tablet computer.
The Florida Semiconductor Engine, LocatorX, Plug and Play Tech Center, SkyWater Technology, Smart Radar System, and Weather STEM were some of the firms with high-tech displays and STEM activities for the children and teens. Agencies such as CareerSource Central Florida, Kissimmee Utility Authority, Osceola County Emergency Management, Fire Rescue and EMS Department, and the Sheriff’s Office displayed vehicles and equipment that demonstrated how STEM is present and vital in our everyday lives.
As part of the Osceola County Emergency Management’s exhibit was a display by the volunteer Osceola Amateur Radio Emergency Services, who combine their interest and expertise in HAM radio to provide a reliable Amateur Radio communications support component to the Osceola County Office of Emergency Management. One member of the group, 13-year-old Nathaniel Gray of Kissimmee, put his STEM knowledge into action by earning his Federal Communications Commission Technician License, the first of three certifications available. Passing the exam required knowledge of the science of electromagnetic waves, electronics, and mathematics used to calculate antenna configurations and placement.
“I was really influenced by my grandfather, who was a HAM radio operator,” said Gray.
Naturally, also on hand for STEM Day were a variety of regional colleges and universities, including Valencia College and its Accelerated Skills Training program. Students from the NeoCity Academy, the Osceola County School District’s STEM magnet school located on the NeoCity campus, were on hand with displays related to the school’s various programs. Students from the Biodesign program were participating in the American Red Cross “Vaccinate a Village” national drive to eradicate measles in Africa.
While last year’s attendance for the inaugural STEM Day was estimated at 1,200 participants, this year’s event likely exceeded that level by a large margin, boding well for a repeat in 2027.
