Walker High School STEM Quest Inspires Future Innovators

WALKER, La. – The Walker High School Robotics and 4-H clubs recently hosted the inaugural Walker High School STEM Quest on August 29, welcoming 56 students along with their parents and family members for an evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics exploration.

The community STEM event featured 17 interactive stations designed to engage elementary and middle school students in real-world STEM experiences. Participants rotated through activities led by local organizations, university partners, school clubs, and student leaders, gaining exposure to a wide variety of STEM careers and educational opportunities.

"The goal of STEM Quest was to provide students with engaging, hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and encourage future involvement in STEM programs," said High School Science Teacher Jennifer Vulgamore. "By connecting students with community partners, industry professionals, and student organizations, we hope to help inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals, technologists, and innovators."

Students at the Walker High School 4-H Chemistry Station created colorful chemical reaction lava lamps to demonstrate chemical reactions and explain density, while the club’s Plant Science Station provided basic information on plant growth and cultivation, along with planted herbs that attendees could take home.

Representatives from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) discussed environmental concepts and explored how science is used to protect Louisiana's natural resources.

Representatives from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) introduced students to concepts in physics, helping them understand the science behind discoveries that expand understanding of the universe.

At the same time, the Society of Women Engineers at LSU challenged students to design and build catapults, introducing engineering principles through hands-on problem-solving.

The Walker High School FFA members educated attendees about hydroponics and modern agricultural technology, demonstrating how plants can thrive without traditional soil, while the Livingston Parish 4-H Program showcased the properties of matter using oobleck, a non-Newtonian fluid that behaves as both a liquid and a solid – it behaves like a liquid when left alone, but like a solid when force is applied.

The Walker High School Robotics team set up four stations that highlighted the diverse applications of STEM. The students explained coding fundamentals, remotely controlled a FIRST Robotics competition robot, explored basic circuits and MATE ROV underwater robotics, as well as experienced computer-aided design through CAD and 3D printing demonstrations.

Other presenters included Walker High School HOSA, Livingston Parish Litter Abatement, which discussed the growing concern of microplastics and their impact on ecosystems, and Mighty Moms in partnership with the LSU AgCenter, which emphasized the importance of nutrition and healthy choices. Students learned about Louisiana's natural environment through Louisiana Youth Wetlands, which highlighted the importance of plants in wetland ecosystems, and the Louisiana Freshwater Sponge Project, which educated participants about the critical role freshwater sponges play in maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and supporting biodiversity.

The Livingston Parish Library Mobile Van introduced families to educational resources and reading opportunities available throughout the parish, while Southeastern Northshore STEM showcased its SeaPerch program, allowing students to explore underwater robotics and engineering concepts. Livingston Parish Fire Protection District 4 assisted with the setup of the SeaPerch pool, helping provide an engaging hands-on learning experience for participants.

The event was envisioned and led by the Walker High School STEM Leadership Team, a group of students dedicated to increasing STEM awareness and opportunities within their community.

Team members included Logan Vulgamore, Jayden Paetz, Oliver Koelbel, Ian Bayliss, T'relle Sellers, Ruston Graham, and Olivia Vulgamore.

“With strong community support and enthusiastic participation, the event successfully introduced young learners to a broad range of STEM concepts while showcasing the educational opportunities available throughout Livingston Parish and beyond,” Vulgamore said. “We hope STEM Quest will continue to grow and inspire future generations of STEM leaders in the years to come.”