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STEM in the Sun rooted in fun

BY LUKE FRANK

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2022

Sandians’ passion for science grips Albuquerque youth

LOOSEN UP — Estrella Gabriel lets it be known that a necklace she made is too tight while Sandia volunteer Laritza Saenz helps her during Sandia Labs STEM in the Sun summer event held July 20 at Mesa Verde Community Center. (Photo by Craig Fritz)
LOOSEN UP — Estrella Gabriel lets it be known that a necklace she made is too tight while Sandia volunteer Laritza Saenz helps her during Sandia Labs STEM in the Sun summer event held July 20 at Mesa Verde Community Center. (Photo by Craig Fritz)

Like a well-oiled traveling show, the tents and tables went up, the props and materials came out and the kids cavorted from station to station to learn about science, technology, engineering and math at Sandia’s third annual STEM in the Sun event.

Nearly 30 elementary and middle school-age students joined Sandia volunteers from the Hispanic Outreach for Leadership & Awareness and other employee resource groups at Mesa Verde Community Center making GlueP balls, lava lamps, catapults and marshmallow and dried pasta structures. They also learned about surface tension, the effects of ultraviolet light and optical illusions.

MIXED UP — Destiny Rodriguez mixes up a small lava lamp she made during Sandia Labs’ STEM in the Sun event held for elementary and middle school-age students attending the City of Albuquerque’s summer program. (Photo by Craig Fritz)
MIXED UP — Destiny Rodriguez mixes up a small lava lamp she made during Sandia Labs’ STEM in the Sun event held for elementary and middle school-age students attending the City of Albuquerque’s summer program. (Photo by Craig Fritz)

The Mesa Verde event was one of seven held throughout Albuquerque this June and July by Sandia Community Involvement for kids enrolled in city summer programs. “Growing up I had opportunities like this to interact with professionals and it meant a lot to me,” said Sandia volunteer and software engineer Elizabeth Lopez. “I love the outreach and the chance to do the same for these kids.” Seven-year-old Frankie said the event was really fun and called Sandia volunteers angels of slime and lava. “Anytime I see you guys are going to be here, I’m coming,” he said.

CENT OF WATER — Emma Mae Yazzie places as many drops of water on a penny as she can during Sandia Labs STEM in the Sun summer event held for elementary and middle school-age students attending the City of Albuquerque’s summer program at Mesa Verde Community Center. (Photo by Craig Fritz)
CENT OF WATER — Emma Mae Yazzie places as many drops of water on a penny as she can during Sandia Labs STEM in the Sun summer event held for elementary and middle school-age students attending the City of Albuquerque’s summer program at Mesa Verde Community Center. (Photo by Craig Fritz)

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