Midwood students joined other schools in District 22 on April 27 to learn about everything science as well as showcasing their scientific accomplishments during the third annual, "Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) Symposium."
STEAM is a movement that combines all the elements it represents to foster critical thinking, problem-solving and collaboration by applying all the disciplines together. Previously, STEAM was deemed STEM, however as the 21st century emerged, art and design became influential and transformed our economy as much as technology and science did in the previous century. According to Slate’s article, "STEAM Rising" by Anna Feldman, "STEAM says we can be better engineers by learning how to think artistically, and we can re-engage artists with science by letting them see how STEM can work in the arts. It’s infinitely more exciting, especially in an increasingly interdisciplinary and digital world." The addition of arts to the movement enhances the objective of success in the scientific fields due to children having greater imaginations and widespread ideas due to their artistic side.
The symposium was held in Brooklyn Borough Hall and held many different events. Superintendent Michael Prayor made opening remarks followed by two keynote addresses by Edward R. Murrow student Ebonie Reavis ’18 and Yonee Thevenot from STEM Kids NYC. The rest of the day was filled with gallery walks of student projects, live performances, panel discussions, and hands-on activities. "Black Girls Code", a non-profit organization that introduces programming and coding to young women of color so they can become builders of technological innovation and of their own futures, hosted one of these activities.
This was a symposium highlighting the power of women in STEAM, thus having many activities circulating about women’s role in the sciences. Many lady Hornets attended.
Aushna Saleem ’18 stated, "The symposium was really fun and inspiring. It was really encouraging to see successful women presenting their success in their field as well as inspiring young women like to do the same. Presenting my project was also very uplifting. The judges were almost all teachers, and they were very nice and gave me advice pertaining to my field."
Assistant principal of science, Ms. Jenessa Kornacker states, "I thought it was a great afternoon. It was a good opportunity for the students because it let them further their interest and help pursue their careers. It was also a great place for networking. Meeting people with the same goals and ambitions as you can be really beneficial."
According to the American Association of Medical Dosimetrists (AAMD), "studies have shown that up to 80% of jobs are never advertised—they are filled by word of mouth." To obtain opportunities in a career, one has to develop relationships and connections with other people in the same field. The way of doing this is going to events like this symposium and meeting similar people.
Midwood students performed well in comparison to other schools in the district.
Robotics teacher Mrs. Lisa Ali stated, "It was cool to see the robotics programs in other schools and how their mind worked. It made me realize how advanced Midwood’s programs are."
Written by Daniel Gaft (Class of 2019).
This article originally appeared in the May 2018 edition of Argus.