The next generation of American brainpower had a chance to learn about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics at an innovative summer camp held by the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Museum recently. Professional engineers from Benham were eager to participate by offering ways to promote critical thinking at the first ever STEM Summer Camp.

The camp was a week-long, half day event at the Museum where kids explored the roles of structural engineers and crime scene investigators through hands-on activities teaching the students how science, technology, engineering and mathematics were critical tools in the events following the Oklahoma City bombing. The various activities the campers experienced included:

• Using 52" interactive touch-screen tables to learn about forensics and making buildings safer
• Exploring OSBI's mobile crime lab
• Analyzing and processing a crime scene with UCO's forensic specialists
• Watching a demonstration by an Oklahoma County Sheriff Bomb Squad Officer and K9
• Engaging with engineers from Benham to design a structure that can withstand disasters
• Hearing from the Oklahoma City Fire Department on how they made the Murrah Building safe for rescue workers after the bombing
• Learning what technologies the Oklahoma City Police Department uses in response to disasters
• Touring behind the scenes of the Oklahoma City National Memorial and Memorial Museum

Benham's own structural engineers Dylan Motley and David Swyden challenged students to create structures out of toothpicks and marshmallows that were then placed on a shaking table built by the engineers to find out what kind of structure will withstand a disaster.

"It is important for us to be involved in the community and to share our experience with the next generation. It was a joy to participate in the Oklahoma City National Memorial’s STEM camp. Teaching kids about engineering is challenging, but what better way for the students to learn than by building and testing their own structures. It was a lot of fun, and we can’t wait to do it again next year."

Throughout the week students learned how careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) were critical in the rescue, recovery, investigation and justice in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see more photos from the Museum STEM Summer Camp visit: https://oklahomacitynationalmemorial.org/stempics/

Watch a promotional video from NewsOK.com: