Students Dive Into STEM Careers at School's Annual Sci-Con

American Heritage School hosts hands-on learning event to showcase diverse scientific fields

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Students at American Heritage School in American Fork, Utah spent a day exploring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) during the school's annual Sci-Con event. The interactive learning experience featured demonstrations and activities across a wide range of scientific disciplines, from forensics to small engine mechanics, designed to spark student curiosity and expose them to potential STEM career paths.

Why it matters

Events like Sci-Con help broaden students' understanding of the diverse scientific fields beyond the traditional classroom curriculum. By connecting STEM concepts to real-world applications, the school aims to foster greater student interest and awareness of the many career opportunities in STEM-related industries.

The details

The daylong Sci-Con event brought in professionals and hands-on demonstrations to transform classrooms into interactive learning spaces. Students rotated through different science sessions, participating in activities that went beyond typical textbook lessons. The event kicked off with dramatic demonstrations, like the sound of a helicopter taking off, to draw students into a day focused on discovery and experimentation.

  • The annual Sci-Con event took place on Monday, March 9, 2026.

The players

American Heritage School

A private school in American Fork, Utah that hosted the Sci-Con event for its 9th-12th grade students.

Genevieve Dyches

A senior student at American Heritage School who expressed enthusiasm for the hands-on, collaborative learning opportunities provided by Sci-Con.

Heidi Crossley

The Director of Teacher Development at American Heritage School, who noted that the Sci-Con event aims to expose students to the breadth of scientific fields beyond the traditional classroom curriculum.

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What they’re saying

“I love that our school does these days where we branch out and do new things.”

— Genevieve Dyches, Senior Student (ksltv.com)

“A lot of students say, 'Why are we doing Sci-Con? We only have four sciences.' That's exactly why we're doing it. There are more than four sciences. There are a lot.”

— Heidi Crossley, Director of Teacher Development (ksltv.com)

The takeaway

By exposing students to a diverse range of STEM fields and real-world applications, the Sci-Con event aims to spark greater curiosity and interest in scientific pursuits, ultimately helping students envision potential career paths in the dynamic and ever-evolving world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.