The purpose of the BOBCAT STEM Camp was to introduce children ages 11-14 to STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Math in the Central Louisiana area.
On Monday, we introduced Science. Ms. Jennier DePriest, Director – Region 6 LA STEM Center from NSU presented science by providing a lesson on trees entitled “Project Learning Center”. Our guest scientist was Lia Henton, Lab Analyst at DOW Chemical. Lia shared her journey from college student to college graduate from ULL in Chemistry to employee at DOW Chemical and entrepreneur.
On Tuesday, we introduced Technology Mr. Curtis Sellers, CLTCC Electrician Technology Instructor, presented the field of electricity by introducing the campers to the opportunities in a career as an electrician. He also led them through a project dealing with electric circuits and batteries. Mr. James Baronne, CLTCC – HVAC Instructor, also shared with campers about careers in the air conditioning and refrigeration field. Mr. Baronne also orchestrated a balloon race challenge with the campers.
On Wednesday, we introduced Engineering. Ms. Jennifer DePriest, Director – Region 6 LA STEM Center presented coding with Python. Our guest engineer was Mr. Peter Rotich, owner and CEO of Enhancesoft, a software company, in Alexandria, LA. Mr. Rotich talked about how he started his company, and he also brought along some of his top employees who talked about careers as software engineers.
On Thursday, we introduced Math. Mr. Roberto O’Neal, CLTCC – presented “How to Take Precise Measurements”. He taught the campers how to use an English and Metric ruler. The campers also did a project called “The Millionaire Project” where the campers had to prepare a million-dollar budget.
On Friday, the campers had a field trip to Proctor & Gamble in Pineville, LA. The campers had a presentation by Kevin Hood -HR Personnel Manager/External Relations at Proctor & Gamble about career opportunities at Proctor & Gamble and skills needed to be successful at Proctor & Gamble.
The camp partners were:
- Nuts & Bolts & Thingamajigs Foundation – Grantor
- Central Louisiana Technical Community College
- Limitless Christian Academy
- Northwester State University – Region 6 LA STEM Center
