Vibe Spring2025 - Flipbook - Page 14
Innovation and Discovery in the Valley
By Emily Calderwood
LOCAL STUDENTS SHINE AT THE MWV YOUTH STEM EXPO
T
he Grand Summit Hotel at Attitash was buzzing with activity
on March 19, 2025, as local students arrived carrying poster
boards, models, and carefully prepared demonstrations for
the third annual MWV Youth STEM Expo. This year, nearly 200
students participated in the event, representing schools across
Conway, Bartlett, and Jackson, along with students from Fryeburg, Maine. Over the past several months, these students dedi-
psychology, plant science, and sports science. Students were
competing for one of three cash awards in their age category in the
amounts of $300 for first place, $200 for second place, and $100
for third place; along with one of two Emerging Scientist Awards
sponsored by the Mount Washington Observatory.
New this year was a special Climate Exploration Award
sponsored by the White Mountains Connected Learning Ecosys-
The MWV Youth STEM Expo, which began in 2023, has grown rapidly each year. What started as a
small gathering of 22 students has now become a highly anticipated event that encourages hands-on
learning and fosters a love of science, technology, engineering, and math.
cated their time to developing research projects and engineering
designs, eager to present their findings to a panel of judges and
share their discoveries with the community.
The MWV Youth STEM Expo, which began in 2023, has grown
rapidly each year. What started as a small gathering of 22 students has now become a highly anticipated event that encourages hands-on learning and fosters a love of science, technology,
engineering, and math. Organizers were thrilled to see this year’s
strong participation, reinforcing the importance of STEM education in the Mt. Washington Valley.
The event recruited nearly 70 volunteer judges, including local
scientists, engineers, and educators, who spread throughout the
venue to hear from the student presenters. This year’s projects
covered a wide range of topics, including environmental science,
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tem (WMCLE). The WMCLE builds connections and resources for
formal and informal educators teaching climate and data literacy
in our region as a part of the NASA-funded Learning Ecosystems
Northeast network. The group includes the Mount Washington
Observatory, Tin Mountain Conservation, and White Mountain
Science, Inc. (WMSI) who teamed up with the MWV Youth STEM
Expo to encourage and support students exploring climate and
data-related projects.
As judges wrapped up their rounds and went to deliberate,
families, and 3rd-grade students from area elementary schools
arrived to explore the Expo. They engaged with the presenters,
asked questions, and even got hands-on with STEM activities
provided by WMSI, 4-H, the Kennett High School Robotics Team,
and the Kennett High School Aviation Program.
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