KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will host a STEM Open House on Friday at its building on the N.C. Research Campus,
The college will open its doors for an event showcasing the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs from 2 to 5 p.m. Friday.
The event will feature dozens of interactive exhibits for kids and adults of all ages to stir curiosity for all things STEM. The community will be able to perform DNA extraction in the college’s science labs, engage in activities involving video games, and learn how STEM plays a role in fighting fires.
“We hope the STEM Open House will be a true celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math,” said Dr. Carol S. Spalding, president of Rowan-Cabarrus.
“One of my goals since coming to Rowan-Cabarrus is to increase the breadth and depth of our STEM education. I fully believe that everyone can be interested in STEM — and that it’s critical that we embrace these subjects. America used to be the leader in technology and innovation. It’s time for us to reclaim that role.”
The college wants younger children to attend with their parents. The exhibits will range from balancing pH in dying hair to the chemistry of making ice cream and how to develop video games to race cars and fire trucks.
“Holding this event at our building on the North Carolina Research Campus … makes a lot of sense. Our NCRC building is the home of our biotechnology and nursing programs — two of our most STEM intensive curriculum,” said Spalding.
“The target audience for this open house is broader than it has been for open houses of the past. In addition to driving more traditional-aged prospective students, we also want younger children (elementary and middle school aged) to participate with their parents,” said Dr. Marcy Corjay, dean of the college’s science, biotechnology, mathematics and information technologies.
The college’s STEM Open House will be part of the N.C. Science Festival. Activities will focus on engaging the younger generation in science.
Given that STEM is an important focus for RCCC, the college has committed to play a large role in the festival. Locally, the college has coordinated with other universities and schools in Kannapolis.
For more information about this event or to bring a school, contact Marcy Corjay at 704-216-7217 or marcy.corjay@rccc.edu.
The open house will be at 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis.