Northmor students explore STEAM careers

Hands-on activities spark interest in science, technology, engineering, and math fields.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 8:40pm

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing a group of middle school students gathered around a table, their expressions and body language conveying a sense of excitement and discovery as they participate in STEAM-related activities.A group of Northmor students engage in hands-on STEAM activities, sparking their curiosity about future careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.Marion Today

Sixth-grade students from Northmor Schools recently visited Ohio State University's Marion campus to participate in a series of interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) workshops. The sessions emphasized discovery, experimentation, and real-world career connections, allowing students to experience how STEAM concepts apply to everyday life and future professions.

Why it matters

By providing immersive STEAM experiences early in students' academic journeys, Ohio State Marion and OSU Extension hope to inspire curiosity and encourage young learners to see themselves in future STEAM careers, addressing the ongoing need to build a diverse pipeline of future innovators.

The details

The STEAM workshops covered a wide range of topics, from coding robots and testing blood types to exploring prairie ecosystems and creating chemistry-based food spheres. Survey responses from participating students showed strong engagement, with the majority reporting that the program increased their knowledge of STEAM careers.

  • The STEAM workshop visit took place on April 8, 2026.

The players

Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy

The director of youth and community learning at The Ohio State University at Marion.

Amanda Staley

The 4-H Youth Development Educator with OSU Extension–Morrow County, who served as the liaison between Northmor Schools and Ohio State Marion.

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What they’re saying

“These kinds of hands-on experiences help students see that science and engineering aren't just subjects in school—they are pathways to exciting careers.”

— Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy, Director of youth and community learning

“My favorite part was Rolling into Robotics. It was my favorite because I liked building the robots.”

— Northmor student

“This field trip taught us a lot of stuff while still having fun.”

— Northmor student

What’s next

Ohio State Marion and OSU Extension plan to continue offering immersive STEAM experiences for local students, with the goal of inspiring more young people to pursue careers in these vital fields.

The takeaway

The Northmor STEAM workshop demonstrates the power of hands-on, experiential learning to spark student interest and open their eyes to the diverse array of STEAM-related career paths available to them, helping to build a stronger, more diverse pipeline of future innovators.