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Kids in Gulfport get hands-on with science at STEM Global Action event

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, October 12th 2025 at 1:45 GMT by WLOX
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Kids in Gulf Port had a thrilling hands‑on learning experience this past weekend when a city‑wide STEM event kicked off at the Gulf Port Science & Technology Center. The “Global Action STEM Day” brought together more than 300 students from elementary, middle, and high schools, along with teachers, parents, and local science enthusiasts. The goal: to ignite curiosity, deepen understanding of science, and inspire the next generation of engineers, innovators, and problem‑solvers.

A Day of Discovery

The event opened at 9:00 a.m. with a short welcome from Gulf Port Mayor Linda Martinez, who highlighted the importance of STEM education for the city’s future. “We want our children to see science not just as a set of facts, but as a way to shape the world,” she said. The mayor also acknowledged the support of Gulf Port Community College and the Gulf Port Public Schools District, who partnered to bring a range of hands‑on stations throughout the center.

Students quickly moved from station to station, each offering a unique experiential lesson. At the “Build‑and‑Fly” station, kids assembled simple RC planes from pre‑made kits and tested their flight paths on a mini‑wind tunnel. One 8‑year‑old, Maya Patel, explained, “I learned how changing the wing shape changes the lift. It’s like a real airplane!” Meanwhile, the “Eco‑Lab” featured a soil‑testing challenge where students measured pH, moisture, and nutrient levels using color‑coded tablets. The results were displayed on a live screen, allowing students to compare findings with peers from across town.

Perhaps the most popular station was the “Robotics Workshop.” Here, students programmed small robots using the Scratch programming language. The robots navigated obstacle courses that simulated real‑world challenges, such as transporting a block from one side of a room to the other. High school student Jason Nguyen, who won a bronze medal in the robotics contest last year, shared, “Seeing the code actually control the robot in real time was amazing. I want to study computer science in college.”

Other activities included a “Microbiology Microscope” station where participants examined slides of pond water, and a “Physics in Sports” booth that demonstrated projectile motion by shooting basketballs into hoops from different angles. A “Space Exploration” tent featured a small telescope and a simulation of Mars surface exploration, complete with a rover model that students could control via a remote.

Community and Industry Partnerships

The event was made possible through sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. Gulf Port’s largest tech firm, Innovatech Solutions, provided the robotics kits and offered free introductory coding classes to participants. Gulf Port Community College supplied expert instructors and donated lab equipment, giving students an authentic research‑grade experience. In addition, the American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT) organized a “Science Fair” component that allowed students to showcase their own projects, such as a solar oven demonstration and a homemade weather station.

“We’re thrilled to support the next generation,” said Dr. Elena Rodriguez, director of Gulf Port Community College’s STEM Outreach Program. “These experiences reinforce the curriculum and give students a tangible connection between classroom concepts and real‑world applications.”

Impact and Future Plans

The event’s success was reflected in the enthusiasm of the participants. According to a post‑event survey, 92 % of students reported increased interest in STEM subjects, while 85 % said they would consider pursuing a STEM career. Teachers noted a measurable improvement in engagement during science lessons after the event, citing the hands‑on approach as a catalyst for deeper learning.

Looking ahead, Gulf Port officials plan to expand the Global Action STEM Day into a series of quarterly mini‑conferences, each focusing on a different scientific discipline. “We want to keep the momentum going,” Mayor Martinez said. “By rotating themes, we can continuously expose students to the breadth of STEM fields—from marine biology to artificial intelligence.”

The city also intends to establish a scholarship program for students who excel in STEM competitions, ensuring that financial barriers do not impede promising talent.

A Community Unified by Curiosity

The Gulf Port STEM event was more than a one‑day exhibition; it was a community celebration of curiosity, innovation, and learning. Families gathered together, teachers supported their students, and local businesses championed science education. The day served as a reminder that when a city invests in its youth, the dividends are immeasurable—fueling a brighter, more scientifically literate future for all.