'It gave me a lot of passion': Grade 9 students explore STEM program, future careers
![STEM program Teachers and students at WP Wagner School showcase the STEM program to Edmonton Grade 9 students. Feb. 16, 2024 (Matt Marshall/CTV News Edmonton)](/content/dam/ctvnews/en/images/2024/2/16/stem-program-1-6772444-1708116348459.jpg)
Grade 9 students from 14 schools got the chance to explore science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) courses and activities at WP Wagner School on Friday.
The STEM experience day sessions aim to show students some of the various career opportunities that derive from those fields.
Some of the activities on display are coding, 3D printing, the chemistry of clay and glass, and how to grow your own food.
"We are very fortunate to have access to a variety of prototyping technologies," said Karly Kulpa, the STEM department head at WP Wagner School. "What we strive to do is equip the students with that entry-level skill set to use them.
"You might not become an expert in every tool, but you do eventually choose your path, and then you can dive deeper and get into those more advanced CAD (computer-aided design), softwares and applications that way."
Students currently in the STEM program at the school said it helps them think creatively and look at the world with a new perspective. There were 70 WP Wagner students involved with the event, showcasing what the program offers.
"When I came into STEM, it was just really, really new and it wasn't really figured out yet and I didn't think I belonged there," said Grade 11 student Sydney Cox. "Then going into STEM, I really found a place and it gave me a lot of passion and love for my program and my school.
"Sometimes people underestimate our students and what they're capable of," added Kulpa. "If we can really show them how everything is connected, they start to see where they fit and start to make that choice to make a difference and build further connections in our community and, eventually, when we get to our grade 12 program next year, we'll start thinking globally."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
![](https://www.ctvnews.ca/polopoly_fs/1.7029443.1725744633!/httpImage/image.png_gen/derivatives/landscape_800/image.png)
Police release video of Toronto plaza shooting that killed university student
A university student from Brampton was killed when two shooters fired indiscriminately into a crowded plaza in Toronto last month in what police say was a 'cowardly act.'
'Hopeless and helpless': Regina mother seeks help to treat rare spinal disease
Mary Grace Rico is seeking help in getting treatment for a rare spinal condition.
The iPhone is getting a 'glow' up. What to expect from Apple's Monday event
Apple excited fans with its vision for its 'Apple Intelligence' artificial intelligence system earlier this year. Now, it's time for the company to prove it really works.
No more porta-potties at B.C. construction sites starting Oct. 1
What some B.C. construction workers describe as the worst aspect of their jobs will be coming to an end next month, the province announced.
Trump campaigns in Wisconsin just days ahead of debate with Harris
With just days to go before his first — and likely only — debate against U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris, former U.S. president Donald Trump leaned into his familiar grievances about everything from his indictments to the border as he campaigned in one of the most deeply Republican swaths of battleground Wisconsin.
'Extremely vigorous' wildfire activity in central B.C. prompts crews to back off for safety
The wildfire fight in central B.C. intensified Friday, according to officials.
They were due to leave for their dream cruise in May. Three months on they’re still stuck at the departure port
It was the years-long cruise that was supposed to set sail, but saw its departure postponed… postponed… and postponed again.
Aryna Sabalenka beats Jessica Pegula to win the U.S. Open for her third Grand Slam title
Aryna Sabalenka got past Jessica Pegula 7-5, 7-5 in a rollicking U.S. Open women’s final Saturday to win her first championship at Flushing Meadows and third Grand Slam title of her career.