“Make it Enjoyable”: College students get on the Penn Highlands occasion | sensible classes in meals science information

Emma York, a University of Pittsburgh in Johnstown, a science, technology, engineering, and math student, and sisters Layla and Eva Harshbarger weighed two apples and then set them up on a ramp.

Then they let it roll.

The goal was to see if different sizes and weights affected the speed of the apples.

It was one of the hands-on demonstrations kids got to try during the Science of Food fair in the Central Park Center of Penn Highlands Community College in downtown Johnstown on Saturday. Among the exhibits, participants could also learn how tomatoes grow, play with “swamp water” at a water treatment exhibition, and make ice cream.

“The beauty of STEM education is that there are a lot of practical things,” said Barbara Zaborowski, dean of learning resources at Penn Highlands. “We want children today to learn that when they look at their food they see different things in an apple or a cucumber, or think about acidity and pH and density. It’s about taking something in common, making it fun and getting them to do practical activities with it, but also conveying a scientific concept. “

The fair provided an opportunity for educators and students, including York, to share their knowledge.

“We’re trying to promote the STEM program in Pitt-Johnstown,” said York. “We will actually be the first class to graduate with the STEM endorsement. So we were very excited to have the opportunity to work with some real students.

“Since we were virtual all semester, we wanted to have the opportunity to work with some kids and practice what we learned over the semester, and then spread this to younger students.”

The aim was to hopefully inspire a new generation of children to take an interest in STEM education.

“I really wanted more girls to get into science, especially STEM,” said Lance Harshbarger, Eva and Layla’s father. “These two are really, really invested in studying science. I teach English so I try to promote things that they are interested in. “

Harshbarger added, “I think it’s great that it comes in handy rather than just learning from a textbook. I love that they feel science and can just be amazed and play. I think the game is huge – it’s really important to learn science and learn any subject. “

Dave Sutor is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at (814) 532-5056. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Sutor.