The booth/tent hosted by University of Houston’s Division of Energy and Innovation was a massive hit during Energy Day. Thousands of K-12 students and families from across the Houston area, visited with UH Energy experts and students during Houston’s largest annual free festival showcasing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
UH Energy showcased more than 70 interactive demonstrations and exciting exhibits highlighting the fun aspects of STEM while teaching and demonstrating various forms of energy. Programs, shared by the UH STEM Center, Cullen College of Engineering, Texas Industrial Energy Efficiency Program, Texas Center for Superconductivity, Energy & Environmental Law Society and other UH groups, ranged from hands-on activities where attendees learned how an energy process works to a variety of installations that provided kids in-depth views of science-in-action.
The festival also featured food, music and an awards ceremony, which is part of the Energy Day Academic Program (EDAP) highlighting academic competitions that strive to inspire young students to pursue careers in STEM fields.
UH Vice President for Energy and Innovation Ramanan Krishnamoorti said Energy Day is a great way to engage the broad public on issues in energy and showcase the breakthrough research, policy and education that the University of Houston is creating to make energy more affordable, reliable and sustainable for all.
“Engaging with school-aged Houstonians and their parents is important,” Krishnamoorti said. “We want to ensure that the next generation of Houstonians are well situated to help Houston continue to be the global leader in energy and innovation.”
Founded in 2011, Energy Day is hosted by the Consumer Energy Education Foundation (CEEF) and the Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). These organizations teamed up to celebrate STEM careers in the energy industry and highlight career possibilities.
“By “Energizing STEM” in the Energy Capital, Energy Day is helping to build the workforce of the future in Houston and beyond,” said David Holt, CEEF board member. “With UH as an original partner, Energy Day is now an integral part of the fabric of our great city.”
Energy Day has since grown into one of the most anticipated activities for Houston as well as UH Energy, as UH faculty, staff and students are able to educate Houston’s youth about energy in a fun, welcoming environment, that highlights how fun and rewarding paths in STEM and energy can be.
“It is so amazing to see University of Houston students come out for Energy Day each year and help spark excitement for other young people who can see themselves in one of these students,” said Emily Haggstrom, CEA vice president of communications. “Their joy of science and learning is infectious, and we wish more students could understand how valuable they could be as mentors, tutors, or friends. We are so thankful for the partnership and the pleasure of your staff and your students in this endeavor. We hope more kids learn from the UH students this year so that they can become the UH students of the future.”