Students explored a series of interactive exhibits showcasing various aspects of ORNL’s research, from supercomputing to engineering principles. Amid the sounds of helicopters and planes landing, the excitement from volunteers and organizers was palpable as they reconnected with young minds. The air was filled with inquisitive questions from the children, along with their teachers and chaperones, reflecting a shared enthusiasm for learning and exploration.
Each activity was designed not only to educate but also to demonstrate that science can be fun and fulfilling. As scientists traded their lab coats for science fair aprons, they took the opportunity to share insights about potential career pathways, emphasizing that pursuing a career in STEM is not just a possibility but an exciting reality, especially with the opportunities in East Tennessee.
At the “Extreme Science” exhibit staffed by the Physical Sciences Directorate, students saw the world’s smallest fidget spinners, less than the width of a human hair, visible as a speck to the naked eye but magnified on a video screen for easy viewing
On the other side of the table explaining this tiny whirligig was Andres Marquez, a chemical engineer at ORNL who has been volunteering with the traveling science fair for over eight years.
This Oak Ridge National Laboratory news article "Traveling science fair sparks interest in STEM and aviation for local schools" was originally found on https://www.ornl.gov/news
