Downey Space Center showcased during annual City of Stem event in Los Angeles
From left: Columbia Memorial Space Center executive director Ben Dickow, Financial Partners Credit Union chief executive officer Nader Moghaddam, Mayor Hector Sosa, Councilman Horacio Ortiz and Mayor Pro Tem Dorothy Pemberton. (Photo courtesy City of Downey)
The Columbia Memorial Space Center participated in the City of STEM event on Saturday, April 12, aiming to promote STEM education and provide opportunities for girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
The organization’s booth featured interactive activities, demonstrations and information about its programs.
Kevin Tran, a museum facilitator at the space center, explained that the booth was conducting rocket-building activities with children at the event. The activity demonstrated the principles of potential and kinetic energy by allowing the kids to build and launch their foam rocket from a slingshot.
“So as they’re pulling the rubber band as tightly as they can, they’re creating potential energy for the rocket,” said Tran. “Once they let it go, all that potential energy becomes kinetic, and that allows your rocket to shoot through the air.”
The space center also highlighted its astronomy nights, which take place every first Friday of the month. These events feature guest speakers and opportunities for the public to use telescopes and learn about astronomy.
A focus of the space center is encouraging girls to pursue careers in STEM fields. The organization offers a Girls in STEM program that provides a supportive environment for girls to explore STEM concepts and develop their skills.
Angelina Serrano, a coordinator for Girls in STEM, explained that the program aims to introduce girls to various STEM fields, including engineering, which is often dominated by men.
“We’re designing and constructing rollercoasters with the girls, just to expose them to stem cultures so they don’t feel anxious when they encounter the field when they’re older,” said Serrano. “Girls aren’t exposed to the (engineering) part of STEM, they just think it’s numbers and coding, by dismantling that system the girls are more prone and feel confident in themselves.”
The Girls in Stem booth held an activity that taught kids how to make a harmonica using popsicle sticks, straws, and rubber bands.
The City of Stem event provided an opportunity for the space center to connect with the community and promote its mission of inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Lela Gillian, 12, is part of the Girls in STEM program and came to the event to support the space center. She’s working on her science project of utilizing hydrogels to water plants and has goals to work in the medical field.
“I think that women should be going into the STEM field,” said Gillian. “I feel like it’s important that women should be getting out there and trying bigger things.”
The Downey Space Center is located at 12400 Columbia Way and offers a variety of programs for children and adults interested in STEM.