Participants in the 2019 LANL Foundation STEAM Day at the Legislature. Photo Courtesy LANL Foundation
Students participate in the 2019 LANL Foundation STEAM Day at the Legislature. Photo Courtesy LANL Foundation
LANL FOUNDATION NEWS
Join the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Foundation from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 for STEAM Day at the Legislature. Two dozen educational organizations from throughout the state that advocate for STEAM education from kindergarten to career will provide hands-on STEAM activities for all ages. Leaders, advocates and policy makers will share their vision for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM) education and workforce development in New Mexico at a 12 p.m. news conference.
STEAM DAY was launched to inspire and inform leaders, policy makers and the larger community about the important role STEAM education and career development play in shaping the future of New Mexico. Careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) are in high demand in New Mexico. When experiential learning is added to traditional subjects and students are engaged in culture, community and real-world problem solving, learning is more approachable. Add in creativity and the arts (STEAM) and the fun increases.
“By understanding the importance of STEAM, New Mexico citizens of all ages can advocate on behalf of STEAM education so that all students have access to quality STEAM curriculum, which will prepare our students for success in K–12, college and career,” said Doris Rivera, LANL Foundation K-12 Professional Development Coordinator. “Our goal is to make legislators and the community aware of the need for really excellent science education including inquiry-based activities that not only teach them the content area, but allow for problem solving, collaboration and critical thinking.”
This year’s theme is Get Excited and Engaged in STEAM! Students and organizations will be showcasing STEAM education with hands on science activities focused on the problem solving, creative and analytical thinking necessary to solve everyday problems that influence many degree programs, jobs and careers available today and in the future in New Mexico.
The press conference starts at noon. Confirmed speakers include:
- Bill McCamley – Cabinet Secretary Workforce Solutions
- Gwen Perea Warniment – Deputy Secretary of Education, NMPED
- Susan K. Herrera – NM State Representative, D–District 41
- Mike Dabrieo, LANL Foundation Education Enrichment Director
The Taos-based media program True Kids 1 (https://truekids1.org/), in collaboration with UNM-Taos, will have youth journalists on hand to film, interview and produce live broadcast interviews throughout the day and show the press conference in its entirety. Watch live at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdgOg5HHmKRyde- p_8ZFPww or view the livestream on our Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LANL.Foundation/.
About the LANL Foundation (http://www.lanlfoundation.org) Since 1997, the Los Alamos National Laboratory Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, has worked to inspire excellence in education and learning in Northern New Mexico through innovative programming, collaboration and advocacy. By investing in human potential, the Foundation’s vision is that all New Mexicans have the skills and confidence they need to be self-sufficient, lifelong learners who are engaged in their communities. Programs in early childhood, K-12 teacher and student programs, inquiry STEM education, scholarships and small grants serve Northern New Mexico communities primarily in Los Alamos, Mora, Rio Arriba, San Miguel, Sandoval, Santa Fe and Taos counties.
Photo cutline: Students enjoy hands on activities at the 2019 STEAM Day at the Legislature. Photo by Andrea Neal, courtesy LANL Foundation.