Neshaminy Community Shows Up In Numbers To Check Out STEAM Expo

The second annual STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) Expo was a hit. Families from across the Neshaminy School District filled the hallways of the high school for the event that showcased the learning opportunities the district has to offer.

Students filled the high school in Middletown to observe science fair displays, talk to outside groups that fit in the STEAM focus, get hands on with robots, explore the school’s television studio, create their own computer code, make t-shirts, and watch science lessons. One of the big hits on the night seems to be in science teacher Hank Oppenheimer’s classroom, where he used a Rubens’ tube to demonstrate the relationship between sound waves and sound pressure.

“Years ago, you had the core subjects and it was lectures and out of a textbook. Now, there is so much great hands-on demonstrations happening,” science teacher Frank Lichtner said as he oversaw a demonstration where students took DNA from strawberries.

Fellow science teacher Matt Preedy is new to the school and said he was impressed by the turnout to the STEAM Expo.

“This is great for fostering an interest in science and will hopefully interest students to try upper-level classes when they move up,” he said. “I hope it helps foster a love of science.”

At one table, PattiAnn Cutter of Silver Lake Nature Center showed off animal hides from various creatures found at the county-operated park. A few tables over, there was a display of old computer equipment and Bucks County Community College brought a 3D printer to demonstrate the process. Students at another station, including 11th grader Noah Torrieri of Langhorne, were showing younger students to code computer programs and apps.

Robin Smith of Levittown said he was impressed with the displays at the high school and is looking forward the STEAM offerings his 8-year-old son will be able to take advantage of in the future.

“The robotics were unbelievable,” Levittown parent Lisa Kramer said. She added that she was impressed by the range of different STEAM options offered at Neshaminy.

Over the past several years, Neshaminy has worked to increase the number of STEAM courses at their schools.