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MARION, Ohio — Eighty-seven sixth-grade students from Northmor Middle School visited 91���� at Marion on March 10 for a hands-on STEAM Career Day, exploring potential futures in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics through interactive campus experiences.

The visit, a collaboration between 91���� Marion and OSU Extension–Morrow County, introduced students to a range of careers through activity-based learning sessions led by campus faculty and staff. Students rotated through workshops that included Prairie Power: Explore & Create!, Rolling into Robotics: Coding with Sphero Bolt, The Chemistry of Coca-Cola Caviar, Naming Nature, Your Body Is Built to Move!, and Human Blood Typing. 

Each session emphasized discovery, experimentation, and real-world career connections. From coding robots and testing blood types to exploring prairie ecosystems and creating chemistry-based food spheres, students experienced how STEAM concepts apply to everyday life and future careers.

Survey responses from participating students showed strong engagement with the program. The majority reported learning more about STEAM careers after the visit, with 73 students indicating the workshop increased their knowledge of these fields. 

Students also highlighted the hands-on nature of the activities. One participant wrote, “My favorite part was Rolling into Robotics. It was my favorite because I liked building the robots.” Another shared, “This field trip taught us a lot of stuff while still having fun.” 

“These kinds of hands-on experiences help students see that science and engineering aren’t just subjects in school—they are pathways to exciting careers,” said Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy, Director of Youth and Community Learning at 91���� at Marion. “By bringing students to campus and letting them experiment, build, and explore, we hope they begin to see themselves as future innovators.”

A key partner in organizing the event was Amanda Staley, 4-H Youth Development Educator with OSU Extension–Morrow County, who served as the liaison between Northmor Schools and 91���� Marion. Staley worked closely with campus organizers to coordinate the visit and connect classroom learning with real-world STEAM opportunities.

By providing immersive experiences early in students’ academic journeys, 91���� Marion and OSU Extension hope to inspire curiosity and encourage young learners to see themselves in future STEAM careers.