Topeka-area middle schoolers attended KDOT’s STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Camp at Washburn University last month, thanks to the efforts of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. The University hosted two weeklong residential camps in July with 14 students participating each week.
The camps gave students opportunities to learn more about science in transportation through interactive projects, activities and fieldtrips. Campers filled their days building and racing solar cars, designing bubble wands in CAD for 3D printing, programming and coding robots; as well as building and launching their own drones and rockets.
Students also explored a few KDOT careers. Popsicle stick bridges were built and tested for strength with staff from Structures and Geotechnical Services; hands got dirty when students formed small concrete structures during a Materials & Research Lab tour; and mini excavators and skid steers were test driven at Washburn Tech’s campus. Deputy Secretary Lindsey Douglas and State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey spoke to the campers at the weeks’ closing Showcase exhibition.
“As much I hope this sparked their interest in the transportation field, a new and non-traditional field for so many, I am more excited about the opportunities the camp presented, the exposure students received to something new and different, and the impact it made on their lives- both seen and unseen,” said Doria Watson, Civil Rights Compliance Administrator.
This was the fourth STEM Camp in five years KDOT has sponsored. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of 2020’s camp, and it brought new rules and guidelines to staff and participants to follow for this year’s event.
Civil Rights Compliance administers the STEM Camp through funds from FHWA’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) Program to help promote career and educational opportunities to disadvantaged and at-risk middle and high school students.
Washburn University created a YouTube video with additional photos. You can view them here: and here.
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