CCI Students Bring Hands-On STEM Activities to Middle School STEM Night

Posted by Michael Walsh on

For the third year in a row, FSU College of Communication and Information (CCI) students partnered with the SciGirls at Montford Middle School’s annual STEM night to continue their commitment to STEM outreach in K-12. The 14-person team of Students in Technology, Academics, Research, and Service (STARS) members, led by Associate Dean Ebe Randeree, presented five engaging, hands-on stations for all students to interact with. The event attracted over 150 students and their families. Organizer Kelly Emerson said that “Montford STEM Night was born out of a desire to share the fun and exploration of science. It has grown to include possible professions that use STEM skills and understanding.”

Table 1: Old Tech: A Blast from the Past

Students explored the evolution of different technologies. They had a hands-on look at technical devices such as vintage cell phones, floppy disks, organizers, old TV/DVDs and even an AOL CD. The table’s biggest hit was an old “working” electric typewriter – something most students have never seen or used before.

Ava Downes, a computer science student, said, “I had a wonderful experience connecting with the students on old technology and showing them what has changed and even stayed the same!” This interactive history lesson helped students appreciate how far technology has advanced.

Information Technology (IT) student Vedant Satwik said, “​​Stepping into Montford Middle School, I wasn’t just showcasing old tech — I was showing the next generation how the past shapes the future. Innovation starts with curiosity, and at Montford, I saw plenty of it.”

Table 2: AI in Action: QuickDraw and PhotoTools

AI was a major highlight of the evening, with students engaging in Google’s QuickDraw game — an interactive tool that demonstrates how AI learns from human input. Additionally, students were able to explore AI-powered photo editing tools showcasing machine learning’s role in digital media. Along with partnering with AI to write a story, students also worked with Adobe image generators.

Graduate student Orion Qualls said, “Going to Montford Middle School was a great experience. Seeing the students’ excitement while engaging with technology really showed how impactful hands-on learning can be. I think events like this create lasting memories for young students and have the power to inspire future innovators. Plus, it was a great way to connect with classmates and represent STARS and FSU in the community.”

Table 3: What is: Women in STEM Jeopardy

In keeping with the SciGirls theme and connecting more young women to STEM-orientated majors, the FSU team hosted a “Women in STEM Jeopardy” game. Students competed to answer questions focused on groundbreaking female scientists, engineers, and innovators who have shaped various STEM industries. The game worked to show young women female pioneers across decades and inspire them to pursue their own passions. Computer science student Tanya Raphael said the event was, “just a glimpse of the bright futures ahead of us.”

Table 4: Unlock the Future: The Power of 3D Printing

The 3D printing station allowed students a hands-on experience with a collection of objects printed at FSU’s Innovation Hub. Graduate student Andrea Colon-De Feria said, “This is my third time attending this event and each time it has been such a wonderful experience! Seeing their curiosity while discussing 3D printing has made me very hopeful for the future of STEM as well as the positive impact that K-12 tech outreach has on students.” From mechanical gears to artistic models and even a 5-foot T-Rex, attendees learned about the endless possibilities of 3D printing technology.

Table 5: Step into the Spotlight: Media Careers & Green Screen Simulation

The media-focused station transported students into the world of digital storytelling through a green screen, teleprompter, hand-held microphone, and light fixtures setup. Participants experimented with different backgrounds and individualized scripts for media reports. This interactive experience demonstrated how digital tools can enhance creativity and media production skills.

IT student Elyse Walcott said, “I’m grateful I had the chance to collaborate with my fellow STARS to create meaningful experiences for middle school students. It was incredibly rewarding to introduce students of all ages to some of the possibilities that technology offers. The creative activities we planned allowed students to explore advanced topics from AI, to 3D printing, and old technologies while having fun with their classmates and families.”

This event is just one of many supported by STARS as they work to broaden initiatives to engage K-12 students in STEM.

Thank you to the FSU students who facilitated the event: Bella Bozied, Andrea Colon-De-Feria, Ava Downes, Sophia Ferraro, Maggie Martin-McKinnie, Leah Pagan, Orion Qualls, Tanya Raphael, Vedant Satwik, Jennifer Sterling, Khylle Valle, Owen Van Lenten, and Elyse Walcott.