On Tuesday, March 29, and Wednesday, March 30, students from Stroman STEM Academy took a field trip to the University of Houston-Victoria (UHV).
In December 2021, VISD announced a partnership with UHV to strengthen Victoria’s workforce of tomorrow. As part of this partnership, UHV hosted sixth-grade students from Stroman STEM Academy for a STEM Bridge Experience with UHV professors and staff.
The sixth-graders had the opportunity to take part in five scientific labs throughout the day. Activities included extracting DNA from fruit, a demonstration of enzyme activity and denaturing with heat, color change reactions in chemistry, a demo of the technology in a Viz theater and computer robotics.
“Extracting DNA, for me, was really fun,” said Jada Johnson, a sixth-grader at Stroman STEM Academy who aspires to become an astronomer. “I was reminded that DNA is in everything living and it was really cool to see everything I’ve learned come together.”
Students also had the opportunity to learn more about UHV’s campus, facilities and the experience of college.
Bob Glenn, President of UHV, stopped in to deliver his remarks to the students as well, encouraging them to always work hard and continue learning, leaving the note, “Pick an institution that is willing to meet you where you are, and get you to where you need to be.”
To end the trip, students were treated with a Math Magic Show by Ricardo Teixeira, a raffle door prize and UHV swag.
As this partnership continues to grow and flourish, students will also continue learning how to apply STEM thinking to many educational and career fields through the STEM pathway. The STEM Bridge Experience aims to develop positive attitudes toward STEM while empowering learning through both voice and choice. Together UHV and VISD are excited to expand local opportunities to expose our students to a future pathway of choices.