Outreach Event at Faridabad, Haryana, India: 

 

An ambitious young member of our team, Aarushi, had held her own event in Faridabad, Northern India. With her family based there, she organised and managed a large community of STEM-interested youth. 525 underprivileged children were reached out to, and working in teams of 5 each, used straw and duct tape in a race to build the tallest, and strongest, tower. This would help build a base for several kids in the technical fields of construction and robotic engineering. 

Various techniques and ingenious ways were explored to complete the task, including using antennae and cross-bracings. The tallest was 71 inches tall! This fun way of introducing children to STEM would explain the principles of structural engineering, including cantilevers and beams, and promote the world of sciences and the great joy found in tasks tapping into their creative skills. 

The top 15 were given special prizes, and everyone who participated got a juice box. The children loved the activity and the competitive spirit of the event. From the wobbliest towers blown over by the wind to the sturdiest, most intricately designed that remain standing still, each creation displayed not only the painstaking effort, but the creativity and joy put into its construction. It was a lovely experience to see STEM at its fullest being enjoyed by such a large crowd!