STEM takes center stage

Capital Region BOCES and other area organizations recently sponsored a hands-on learning opportunity for K-12 students interested in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

The Back to School Expo  took place on Saturday, Sept. 8 at Albany's Empire State Plaza. The event helped build awareness of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers and provided students with hands-on learning opportunities through fun and educational STEM exhibits.

Jelly marbles helped teach expo attendees a lesson about the power of polymers!	Tech Valley High Math teacher Nicole Gallo at the Back to School Expo.
Laura Lehtonen shows students the magic of water sand.	Dedrick, Lehtonen and Instructional Resources staff member Connie Miller at BOCES hands-on science display.
Cameron Wallace, a 2012 Career & Tech and Alternative Education alumnus who completed programs in Internet application design, gaming/multimedia & web design, and computer network technician, shows an Expo visitor how to play a computer game he created.	Booth visitors also viewed original animation he created and were able to watch a game being created in real-time.