Rowan-Cabarrus Community College

KANNAPOLIS — Rowan-Cabarrus Community College will host its seventh annual STEM open house at the North Carolina Research Campus.

From 5 to8 p.m. April 19, the college will welcome the public to a fun, interactive showcase for the college’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics programs.

 “One of the most overlooked aspects of STEM education is that there are many students out there who get enjoyment and a sense of accomplishment from it,” said Dean Carol A. Scherczinger of the college’s science, biotechnology, mathematics and information technologies programs. “Focusing on STEM for these students helps them feel more involved with their education.”

The college will have dozens of interactive exhibits for children and adults to stir curiosity about STEM subjects, including viewing strawberry DNA, making ice cream using dry ice and experiencing virtual welding.

“Less than 20 percent of college graduates graduate in a STEM industry field or subject, whereas there will be an estimated 1.2 million job vacancies in these sections by 2018,” said college President Carol S. Spalding. “STEM is very hands-on and skill based.”

The exhibits will be diverse – everything from the chemistry of extracting DNA, to the creation of milk fireworks, to stargazing to view the college’s named star. The stargazing will begin after the open house has concluded at 8 p.m.

 “Holding this event at our building on the North Carolina Research Campus is a natural fit. Our NCRC building is the home of our biotechnology and nursing programs — two of our most STEM intensive curricula,” said Spalding.

The open house is one of the many activities that are part of the N.C. Science Festival throughout April.

“In addition to high school student participation, we also want younger children (elementary- and middle-school-aged) to participate with their parents,” said Scherczinger.

Area high schools are busing in students for a special STEM open house Friday morning.

For more information about the open house or to bring a school group, contact Crystal Ryerson at 704-216-3806 or crystal.ryerson@rccc.edu.

The location for the STEM Open House is on the North Carolina Research Campus, 399 Biotechnology Lane, Kannapolis.

For more information about Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, visit www.rccc.edu.