Experts hoping enthusiasm can turnaround youth STEM trends

5 EYEWITNESS NEWS reporter Harrison Klopp went to the American Institute of Chemical Engineers’ K-12 STEM Showcase Sunday at the convention center to learn what experts said should be done.

College students led activities for local children and talked about how STEM connects to real-world problems.

“We’re trying to teach 3rd through 5th grades about experimental design, so we’re having the kids design pinwheels with changing different variables,” said Hannah Duckwitz.

Duckwitz, a University of Florida senior, was among the college students taking part in the event. Organizers used the showcase to highlight the importance of STEM for children at an early age.

“Kids this young need to hear from somebody who is excited about a field like Chemical Engineering, they need to hear that it’s fun and they need to hear that they can make an impact, a real impact,” said D...