Creating a sustainable economic future for the region.
STEAM Ahead is a hands-on science experience introducing new opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math to students in Waverly, Piketon, Eastern, Western and Lucasville Valley school districts.
The mentors share their knowledge through interactive experiments from problem solving to chemical reactions, video editing, physics, water quality, welding, environmental studies, and more in easy to follow 15-minute lessons.
In its fifth year, the program has added a new school each year, and in 2025 expanded to Scioto County.
The program would not be possible without the engagement of our FBP volunteers and others from Ohio University, Pike and Scioto County Extension Offices, Shawnee State University, North Wind Dynamics , ETAS, and Pike County Solid Waste, Recycling and Development.
My presentation is on welding. We have a short video which shows different types of welding, SMAW, GMAW and TIG. These welds are made on plate and pipe that are on display that the students can look at and hold. I also have examples of weld bend test coupons that passed and one that failed. Finally, we have a virtual welder which allows the students to complete a simulated GMAW weld. This unit also grades them on their technique so they get to see which one can get the highest score if time allows more than one attempt.
Engineering has a world of opportunities with so many different fields within Engineering; however one thing that Engineers have in common is problem solving. This presentation goes through examples of problem solving at the PORTS Gaseous Diffusion Plant that is in D&D mode and also discusses various aspects of structural members. Next the students are given the opportunity to use their imagination to construct a masterpiece of their own.
Communication is the key to every career. No matter your job, it is important to learn how to effectively communicate, including asking questions to get answers. During the Public Affairs section students read off a real teleprompter, learn how to put a story together through video and play reporter and ask their fellow students questions to enhance the story telling process.