This year marked the ninth year of the Science Conference, an annual event where students gather to learn more about science, technology, engineering and mathematics. This also allows physics students, and even sixth grade students, to present their long terms in front of an audience.
On May 2. the day started out with physics teacher, Dr. Brain Wargo, introducing the agenda for the day. Long terms would then be sprinkled in with a mix of alumni and S.T.E.M workers sharing their experiences. This year, presenters either presented in a classroom, or on the stage of the auditorium, with classes assigned to each room to switch areas to watch.
Students that take Physics I, II and III are required to create a longterm that stemming from experimentation from areas they are interested in. This includes their trials and errors, and what they could have done better in the process. Through the beginning of the year through April, they work hard to perfect their presentation and to thoroughly explain the process they went through when experimenting to be able to explain it during their time at the science conference.
“My long term helped me grow by being able to get over nerves and present in front of an audience, ” Trinity Vojtko (11) said. “I love hair care and it was a fun experiment to learn something new with different hair textures and what the outcome would be.”
The sixth grade students that were interested in creating a long term did so with the help of Dr. Wargo, sixth grade science teacher Ms. Jeanine Ging and Physics students. They also presented during the science conference along with the Physics students and speakers.
Freedom Alumni went on to talk about their life experience and working in S.T.E.M. or having the critical thinking that comes from S.T.E.M., especially addressing how taking physics at Freedom has impacted their life positively.
Last but not least, the workers in S.T.E.M. Fields gave a presentation on what aspects led them to decide to work in their field and what degree they obtained from the school they had gone to. They also spoke about how they enjoy their jobs, and how it makes them face everyday challenges at work.
This conference has made lasting impacts on students not only in a Physics class but the students who want to pursue a career that work with science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics. It shows all of the students throughout the school that there can be great opportunities through this kind of career, and with hard work, great things can happen in their future.
“It is always an honor to be able to manage this event and show my students how much they can grow throughout the year,” Dr. Wargo said. “Hopefully from seeing this event, students that did not take this course will see the importance of it.”