She blinded me with science…technology, engineering, arts and math! Nearly 1,000 CSD students, parents and patrons attended Silver Mesa’s second annual S.T.E.A.M. night on Tuesday, Jan. 17th. 

The event exposes students to core academic concepts through hands-on activities. Fundamentals of engineering and technology, for example, are taught through Lego building exercises and virtual reality demonstrations. Artistic and literary skills are put to use in video-production exercises. The University of Utah Physics Department’s outreach program sponsored some scientific demonstrations, and students showcased their science fair projects, while everyone downed some delicious delectables served up by local food trucks. 

Study after study has shown how exposure to the arts can boost a child’s academic success. And while it was once thought that mathematic achievement alone predicted a person’s likelihood of pursuing a STEM career, research now underscores the importance of combining math concepts with science. 

“In the 21st century, scientific and technological innovations have become increasingly important as we face the benefits and challenges of both globalization and a knowledge-based economy,” according to the National Science Foundation. “To succeed in this new information-based and highly technological society, students need to develop their capabilities in STEM to levels much beyond what was considered acceptable in the past.”