On March 21, 40 Kimball Elementary School students had the opportunity to envision themselves as future engineers through a field trip to GW Engineering. By filling the day with engaging activities focused on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), this event aimed to spark the students’ excitement about STEM and give them a positive experience on a college campus. The opportunity arose after outreach from GW alum Kiana Lee, who works at the global law firm Hogan Lovells.
“I was excited when we were first approached about hosting this event because at this age, students’ minds are still developing, and early exposure to STEM empowers them to see themselves as problem solvers and innovators,” said Sameen Ahmad, a senior studying computer science and SEAS Together Undergraduate Student Coordinator.
Lee reached out to SEAS Together and the Engineers’ Philanthropic Society to host this trip at GW Engineering, as she felt their missions aligned. Every year, Hogan Lovells partners with Kimball, a STEAM-focused Title I DC Public School, to visit varying universities around the Washington D.C. area to introduce their students to college and help them learn about educational paths in STEM. While Hogan Lovells funded the activities, GW Engineering students and staff led the day’s programming.
“I hope that the event helped the younger students realize that STEM can be fun and approachable, even if it sounds difficult at first. Introducing STEM at a young age is important because it gives students the ability to develop their creative thinking skills through a mathematical and analytical approach, which is a crucial skill for professionals in the tech/STEM world,” said Nicolo Kreuger, a senior major studying biomedical engineering and president of the Engineers’ Philanthropic Society.
The day’s activities included making binary bracelets, paper airplanes, and a marshmallow tower using spaghetti noodles. Each station introduced students to fundamental STEM concepts, such as binary representation, the idea that all information stored and processed on computers is made of 0s and 1s (bits), by crafting the bracelets, aerodynamics by designing and flying paper airplanes, and structural stability by building their towers.
“My favorite moment was when the students would finally get their towers to stay up and the look of excitement on their faces. We watched them work so hard with the spaghetti breaking and falling over, and it was nice to see their hard work pay off at the end and how it made them feel,” said Zac Esposito, a master’s student studying mechanical engineering and a Dean’s Fellow.
Throughout the day, the students approached each activity with curiosity. While teaching them to make a paper airplane, Ria Vargis, a master’s student studying mechanical engineering and a Dean’s Fellow, was asked questions demonstrating their eagerness to understand the science behind their creations, such as why was the plane so symmetrical (“neat”) and what that meant for the “throwing” (how far it would fly).
“I think questions are the best way to keep learning and growing, and the student asking them meant they were comfortable enough to ask me that, and they were eager to learn more,” said Vargis.
Ava Williams, GW Engineering’s Director of Inclusive Excellence, hopes to expand this type of outreach in the future. She shared a powerful memory that reinforced for her how early exposure to STEM is important not only because of what students learn but also because of how it makes them feel.
“I noticed one student quietly working on his design—his tower had started to lean, so I stepped in to hold it steady. As he adjusted the spaghetti and marshmallows with intense focus, he looked at me and said, ‘I love building things–that’s my passion.’ It caught me off guard in the best way because it was such a simple, genuine statement, but it felt big. A little later, after we gathered everyone back in front of the green wall to close out for the day, that same kid ran over to me, gave me a huge hug, and thanked me. That moment has really stayed with me—it was a good reminder of how small gestures can make a lasting impact,” said Williams.