Campus Life

UWF engages middle school students in STEM education through Discovery Lab

The University of West Florida hosted its kick-off Discovery Lab event today in an effort to engage local middle school students in interactive projects relating to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM.

“The goal of the Discovery Lab is to promote interest in STEM through discovery and exploration, which are the foundations for science,” said Dr. Lakshmi Prayaga, assistant professor in the UWF Department of Applied Science, Technology and Administration and event organizer.

Students from Woodlawn Beach Middle School and Ransom Middle School participated in the inaugural event. From 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. the students completed projects such as robotics, laser communications, holograms, 3D printing, chemistry modeling and more. Faculty and UWF students from the Physics, Chemistry and Applied Science, Technology and Administration departments were available throughout the day to work with the students.

The UWF Discovery Lab serves as a high impact learning practice, engaging students in experiences that offer a deeper understanding of the relationship between several science disciplines through interactive and reflective activities.

This initiative was funded by the PACE Grant Award for 2013-2014.