Inspiring Interest in STEM

Elder graduated from McMaster in Civil Engineering and Management, and now works as McMaster’s Faculty of Engineering Outreach Coordinator. This is her fifth year returning to Greenwood to let students know about the many opportunities available to them in STEM, both at McMaster and beyond.

Elder gave a presentation on the many different paths, programs, and opportunities in engineering and STEM through post-secondary education. She spoke about programs such as McMaster’s LEAP and Venture programs, which allow high school students the opportunity to learn in a university setting, and get a jump-start on their STEM education. Programs such as these can nurture a student’s interest in studies and a career in STEM fields, and provide a strong foundation for future success in these programs.

Next, students performed an engaging experiment, measuring the angles of refraction as they shot lasers through different liquids. The experiment, which included demonstrations of “scientific magic,” gave students another angle by which to view the concepts they’ve covered in class.

Experiments such as these and learning about the many opportunities available in the sciences encourage students who may not have otherwise considered a career in STEM.