Once each semester, local Title I elementary students are invited to campus for a STEM field trip sponsored by the education department at Washburn University. On other occasions, schools contact the STEM faculty and ask us to provide a STEM learning experience for their students at their school.
Students participate in STEM centers, robotics, and 3D printing (generally activities that they would not have an opportunity to do in the schools). These field trips are facilitated by STEM faculty and pre-service teachers in STEM methods courses. This is an opportunity for children to participate in STEM activities while the Washburn students practice STEM teaching strategies.
If the field trips last more than a few hours, there is a need to provide the students with lunch. Since those participating in the field trips are Title I schools, the majority of the students receive free or reduced priced lunches. The funds requested here would allow us to pay for lunches while allowing students from schools in the Washburn community the opportunity to experience a day at Washburn University and participate in STEM activities.
We are raising money to go toward providing free STEM Field Trips for children in the Topeka area. This would also give Washburn University students an opportunity to practice important skills while introducing STEM careers and majors to potential future Washburn students.
