WALKER — The Walker High School Robotics and 4-H clubs hosted its inaugural Walker High School STEM Quest last month, welcoming 56 students and their parents and family members for an evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The event, held Aug. 29, featured 17 interactive stations designed to engage elementary and middle school students in real-world STEM experiences. 

The goal of the event was to provide students with "engaging, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and encourage future involvement in STEM programs," said science teacher Jennifer Vulgamore. 

"By connecting students with community partners, industry professionals, and student organizations, we hope to help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, technologists, and innovators," Vulgamore said.

Some of the experiences offered include the Walker High School 4-H Chemistry Station to create colorful chemical reaction lava lamps to demonstrate chemical reactions, and the club's Plant Science Station providing information on plant growth and cultivation, along with planted herbs that attendees could take home.

Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality officials discussed environmental concepts and explored how science can be used to protect Louisiana's natural resources, and the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory showed students physics concepts and helped them understand the science behind discoveries to expand understanding of the universe.