STEM expo lets students see science at work

An expo Monday at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in East Garden City attempted to answer the age-old student question: "Why do I have to study this?"

The STEM expo, which stands for science, technology, engineering and math, attempted to show students the direct link between what they learn in school and its application in the workplace. About 400 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders from Nassau County and Brooklyn participated in hands-on activities and group discussions with employees from 16 companies.

The event is part of a statewide initiative to develop a skilled workforce for high-growth sectors that include the green industry, engineering, information technology and health care, said Cheryl Davidson, executive director of the Long Island Works Coalition, which organized the event.

"We know there is a critical need for companies to have students with these skills," Davidson said.

Two Federal Aviation Administration employees who work in the air traffic control center in Westbury told students how mathematical calculations using time, speed and weight help determine the landing or departure order of planes.

Azline Exime, 12, a seventh- grader at Westbury Middle School who likes math, said the discussion showed her how "mathematics is applied in everyday life."

At a Brookhaven National Laboratory presentation, a class from Clarke Middle School in East Meadow delved into the world of nanotechnology, which looks at the properties of things on a small - or nano - scale, to help AIDS research, for example.

Regina Hickey, 11, a sixth- grader from East Meadow who wants to be a nurse, liked the practical view of science.

"I felt it was worthwhile because I learned a lot," she said.

Andre DeLeon, 12, a seventh- grader also from East Meadow, said he found the presentations in general interesting.

"We get to learn about new things that we are interested in," he said. And, he added, "I get to miss boring classes."