Teamwork Makes the Brain Work: LVC Clubs Hold STEM Event

More than 20 LVC students helped facilitate and assist with a series of hands-on labs for sixth graders from Annville-Cleona Middle School during a STEM event in November. Activities ranged from dissecting sheep brains and testing the pH of common household substances, to learning how scientists study rat behavior. 

This year’s event was held on LVC’s campus and organized by three student science clubs and organizations. Previously, these students volunteered at a STEM event held annually at Annville-Cleona. 

“We always loved participating in their STEM nights,” said Morgan Decker ’20, a biology major and president of the Biology Club and Pre-Health Professions Society. “When we heard they weren’t hosting a STEM event this year, Brandon Roy ’20 had the idea to bring the event and middle school students to LVC.” 

Students rotated between 15-minute activity stations that allowed them to experience a variety of STEM disciplines. Roy, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, credits his rigorous coursework in the sciences with providing a strong background in experimental design to help create the activities. He and the other LVC students said the students’ reactions made everything worth it.

“I was overjoyed to hear the kids’ reactions as they rotated between stations. They were so excited to talk about all the new science they learned,” said Erica Werner '22, neuroscience major. “It was incredible to see how eager the students were to get involved in each activity.” 

“I see how much my professors love science, and that is contagious,” said Decker. “Letting kids know that it’s okay to love STEM is the best way we can continue spreading that message.”