Students learn to conduct electricity with Play-Doh at Towson game

In Baltimore, an event took place on Wednesday that brought together over 3,000 students from the surrounding area to explore Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) concepts while enjoying a women's basketball game at Towson University. This initiative aimed to provide students with hands-on experiences in STEM, including activities such as conducting electricity with Play-Doh and programming robots like Ozobots and Spheros. Sarah Mamaril, a Towson STEM UTeach Science Master, emphasized the importance of exposing students to various STEM avenues in order to spark excitement and interest in these fields. During the basketball game, Towson faced the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Although the Towson women's basketball team lost the game 65-60, participants in the STEM activities showed enthusiasm and engagement. Audrey Gianelle, a Towson STEM student, shared her views on breaking down stereotypes surrounding STEM, noting that it can be more approachable and fun than many students perceive. She remarked that the field often appears intimidating, but hands-on activities like building race tracks and working with robots can make it accessible to everyone. The event marked a significant turnout, with 3,590 students participating, setting a record for attendance at a Towson women's basketball game. This was also a notable occasion as it was the first time UMBC had defeated Towson since 2010. While the loss could have dampened spirits, Towson coach Laura Harper was optimistic about the impact of the event. She appreciated that the kids were simply happy to be there, regardless of the game's outcome. The aim of the event was to ignite passion and interest in STEM while creating a supportive atmosphere for students. As the season progresses, Towson's basketball team faces challenges, emblazoned with a 1-7 record at this point. Nevertheless, the connection between sports and STEM illustrated through this event highlights the potential for integrating education and entertainment in a compelling way, encouraging students to consider STEM careers more favorably while still enjoying the camaraderie of a live sports event.