GEMS in STEM hosts its first-ever STEM Extravaganza for middle school students

Washingtonville High School’s GEMS in STEM club recently hosted its first-ever STEM Extravaganza at Washingtonville Middle School – welcoming the soon-to-be high school students for an afternoon of learning, collaboration and connection designed to spark curiosity and confidence in STEM fields. 

The GEMS served as mentors and role models as they led middle school students through a series of interactive, STEM-related activities; their goal was to introduce their younger peers to the possibilities within science, technology, engineering and math while helping break down barriers that have historically contributed to the gender gap in STEM. 

“This event is to encourage girls to think about and explore the fields of science, technology, engineering and math,” said Melissa Benjamin, GEMS in STEM faculty advisor at Washingtonville High School. “The whole idea is to have our older students serve as role models. Research shows that reaching girls at a younger age can make a lasting impact – helping them see that they can pursue anything, including STEM.”

Each of the three stations highlighted a different aspect of STEM thinking. 

In the Flight Lab, students explored the principles of aerodynamics by designing and testing paper airplanes. As they experimented, they learned how forces like lift, thrust, drag and gravity work together to influence flight.

During the Science Experiment, students created slime using glue, baking soda and contact solution, observing how chemical reactions transform materials. By linking polymer chains together, the mixture shifted from a liquid to a stretchy, semi-solid substance – demonstrating science in action.

The Engineering Challenge tasked teams with building the tallest free-standing structure using spaghetti, tape, string and a marshmallow. With only 10 minutes to complete the challenge, students collaborated, tested ideas and problem-solved under pressure.

Throughout the event, GEMS members guided students through the activities, offering encouragement while emphasizing creativity, persistence and teamwork.

Beyond the experiments, the afternoon also gave students a chance to connect as they shared snacks, stories and bonded over shared interests across schools. The event concluded with a game of STEM Jeopardy, bringing everyone together to celebrate what they had learned.

As its first middle school outreach event, the STEM Extravaganza marked an exciting step for GEMS in STEM – one that organizers hope will continue to grow in the years ahead, inspiring the next generation of students to see themselves in STEM fields.

Check out a photo gallery from the event here!