Mind Trekkers offers jaw-dropping STEM demos

Can you shoot a ping-pong ball through a soda can? Students experienced the adventurous side of science, technology, engineering, and math during San Jacinto College's 2020 Mind Trekkers Adventures in STEM Festival March 5-6.

During the free two-day event at the Central Campus, selected sixth graders engaged in STEM demonstrations sponsored by industry and community supporters. The goal? To promote students' interest in science and math, which contribute to economic sustainability.

Students came from Channelview, Clear Creek, Deer Park, Galena Park, La Porte, Pasadena, and Sheldon independent school districts and the Rhodes School.

During the public family night March 5, children and their families enjoyed activities from making 60-second ice cream to watching a controlled explosion in a garbage can.

This year's event attracted more than 5,500 participants, with demonstrations led by College students, faculty, and industry representatives.

Event sponsors included Acadian Ambulance Services, Chevron Phillips, Dow, INEOS, LyondellBasell, and PetrochemWorks.