Empowering youth through STEM: LPEA's partnership with CSU Extension Office
LPEA STEM
Date Published

What is STEM?  

You've likely heard the term STEM, but what does it stand for? STEM is an acronym for science, technology, engineering, and math. These fields emphasize innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking, and they make up a fast-growing industry.  

Why do we hear so much about STEM when talking about our children's education? 

  • Early education in mathematics and STEM fields improves children's learning abilities and narrows educational achievement gaps. 
  • STEM education offers several benefits to students, including deeper learning and critical skill development. 
  • Connecting subject material to real-life applications keeps middle and high school students engaged and motivated. 
  • STEM provides hands-on activities that promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and interaction with subject material. 
  • Introducing STEM at a young age fosters long-term interest and passion, encouraging more children to pursue STEM careers. 
  • STEM promotes equality in the classroom by allowing all students to participate in lessons and activities. 
  • Introducing STEM to young girls and kids of color provides them with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore STEM subjects, promoting gender and racial diversity in the field. 
  • STEM education helps develop vital lifelong skills, such as critical thinking and problem-solving through trial and error. 

LPEA and STEM 

We are committed to fostering meaningful engagement with our community's youth and promoting STEM education. We have an opportunity to partner with the CSU Extension Office in Durango to grow participation in the 4-H STEM projects exhibited at the La Plata County Fair. By joining forces, we aim to create impactful opportunities for youth and inspire their interest in STEM fields.  

The CSU Extension Office manages the 4-H projects exhibited in the Educational Hall during the Fair. The mission of the 4-H projects is to provide practical education and life skills to build a better future for our youth.  

CSU is interested in growing its participation in STEM projects, including robotics & engineering, electricity, rocket modeling, and computer science. 

What does this look like for the LPEA booth at this year’s La Plata County Fair? 

LPEA aims to be a trusted community partner by supporting this goal. This year, we will support the STEM exhibits in the Educational Hall. On Thursday and Friday from 10-4 LPEA will organize different fun STEM activities that explore electric circuits, electromagnetics, and electric motor robotics. 

LPEA kicks off the initiative with a workshop aimed at 4-H kids 

The "Magic of Electricity" workshop, presented by LPEA, was a resounding success, with nine enthusiastic participants showing up to build their electric motors. This hands-on experience provided an opportunity to delve into the fundamentals of electricity, understand the interplay between electricity and magnetism, and construct electric motors. 

Through the workshop, participants learned the basics of electricity, developed problem-solving skills and received inspiration for their 4-H Electricity projects. This interactive session not only ignited curiosity and provided a solid foundation for their future educational pursuits in STEM. The response to the workshop underscores the importance of creating engaging and accessible opportunities for youth to explore the wonders of science and technology. 

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