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Introduction into the World of STEM (Science, make them smaller and stuff
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) them into another straw’s
end. Five additional triangles
were constructed and joined
Several members of the National Society of Black Engineers - together to make a penta-
Montgomery Professionals (NSBE-MP) presented to the Delta gon. Three additional straw
Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.’s Signature Programs on April 13, pentagons along with seven
2019 about the World of STEM. This topic was covered during more constructed triangles
several rotations. were all joined and taped
together. This activity fo-
cused on
the Mathematics and Engi-
neering segment of STEM.

Balloon-Powered Paper Plate Racer (Station No. 3)
The participants used the following items: cardboard, straws,
scotch tape, marker, paper plates, scissors, balloons, and BBQ
skewers to make a balloon-powered paper plate racer. The paper
plate acted as the body of the racer. To construct the racer, the
paper plate had to be folded into a triangle. Tape was used to
tape down the plate in the
middle and front end, so it
would not unfold. A straw
What Does It Take to Become an Engineer? was added and tapped
down to the paper. Straws
Students can prepare as early as middle school, by selecting were used to serve as the
STEM course work and participating in programs and projects that
expose them to engineering concepts. While in middle and high axles for the wheels of the
racer. Circles were cut out
school, students interested in engineering should consider taking of cardboard and a hole
accelerated courses in several of the following subjects: Algebra
was placed directly in the
II, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science, Language center to serve as the wheels of the racer. The two axles were
Arts, Pre-calculus, Physics, Second Language, and Trigonometry. taped down at the bottom of the paper plate. A balloon was at-
An information package was provided by NSBE-MP and distribut- tached to a few shortened straws creating a pseudo “tailpipe”.
ed to all participants.
After properly taping down everything, the balloon was inflated
and released on the ground to see how far it would travel. This
Traffic Signal 101 (Station No. 1) activity encompassed every aspect of STEM besides technology.
A visual inspection of a 3-head traffic
signal was observed. Information was #2 Pencil Catapult (Station No. 4)
provided about the intelligence of the
device which includes the battery This activity in-
capacity, wiring, frequency capabili- volved assembling
ties, design, and remote accessibility. several #2 pencils
The reasons for installing a traffic into a structure
signal device was also mentioned to using only rubber
emphasis the technology portion of bands to secure
STEM. Students were also made them into place.
aware that Mr. Garrett Morgan, an African-American, was the first to The idea is to con-
invent the traffic signal. struct a stable,
main unit or base that could allow an object such as a pencil eras-
Straw Geometry Challenge (Station No. 2) er to be catapulted for a distance. Again, science, engineering,
engineering and mathematics was used to execute the activity.
Challenge: Build a globe from straws. The participants were given
straws and tape. Three straws were used to start the construction
of the first triangle. They had to pinch the mouth of the straws to

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