In partnership with the Chehalis School District, the UW hosted a STEM camp at W.F. West High School this week for local high school students focused on engineering and medical science. Senate Minority Leader John Braun and Representatives Peter Abbarno and Ed Orcutt visited the camp to engage with the students and learn from medical doctors and scientists from the Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine.
The students and legislators explored the physiology and disease of human organs, as well as powerful approaches to health using cutting-edge technology. They participated in hands-on learning activities, including examining a human brain and lungs, inflating pig lungs to simulate breathing, and stimulating nerve activity using a device that allows a person to move another person’s arm.
Earlier in the week, students also learned about the engineering design process with experts from the UW College of Engineering. They worked together in small groups to design and build a lander that protected a raw egg dropped from the bleachers.
The summer camp aims to give Chehalis-area students unique educational experiences and to showcase STEM degree and career pathways. The Chronicle wrote a great article about the camp and the lawmakers visit.
Thank you, Sen. Braun and Reps. Abbarno and Orcutt, for joining your local students for a packed day of learning. We appreciate your continued support of the UW!
