S.T.E.M. program sparks interest for high schoolers

Recent reports have shown that students are shying away from careers in math and science but that's not the case at Central High School thanks to a new program. Students are learning it can be both fun and rewarding.

"Once we show them how it fits, they're going to get interested. They’re going to get motivated. They’re going to learn" said Ed Reed, technology education instructor at Central High School.

That's the thought behind a program that was started at the school called S.T.E.M., which stands for science, technology, engineering and math.

"It’s a great opportunity for students to understand what kind of course work they need to finish in high school so that they can ensure they're successful in college" explained Bill Hartung, Math and Engineering Teacher at Central high School.

In the technology course, students are being challenged to build a Rube Goldberg machine which creates a large chain reaction to complete a simple task.

"Each student at a table had to create a series of reactions. That table had to, in turn, link with the next table. The machine goes all the way around the room and it’s going to activate a DVD" explained Reed.

A new engineering course allows students to build computer programmed robotics and learn about building different structures. Students interested in sciences say the program is perfect to help transition them into higher education.

"I want to go to C.U. Boulder and get an aerospace engineering degree and eventually work with NASA, so I figured this would be a good step in the right direction" explained Kyle Banks, junior at Central High School.

"As technology increases around us, you always have to wonder and think about these questions. How these things are working. What’s going on? What happening? What’s new? What’s old?" said Frank Dithomas, senior at Central High School.

That’s exactly the focus of this S.T.E.M. program. To inspire kids to think about their future and ours.

"If you have a kid who's motivated and interested, they're perspective is going to be a lot different. They’re going to be a lot more interested in science and a lot more interested in math because it has a direction" said Reed.  

Teachers at Central High School say their S.T.E.M. program is the only one offered on the western slope and they plan on making it a permanent piece of their curriculum next year.