Forty local youth traveled to Iowa City on Nov. 6 for a day of hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) experiences with University of Iowa Health Care.   

The day was split between the College of Medicine, UIHC and University of Iowa admissions.   

Middle school students from Washington, Des Moines, Henry, Lee and Louisa counties had the opportunity to see STEM in action in the medical field and a variety of those departments.

Washington County youth who attended the event included Brenna Hazelett, Halle Hazelett, Tate Bombei, Brock Lowenberg, Courtney Chalupa, Grace Conger, Grace Skelton and Grace Prybil.    

The day included a variety of presenters in different areas of medicine.   

Students experienced science hands-on as they inspected organs, made their own finger casts and used simulators to understand laparoscopic surgery. 

They traveled in the hospital to see the medical museum and also made it to the roof helipad.

They heard from the air-care pilot and flight paramedic about the work they do. Youth sat in the helicopter to see the view from the landing pad.   

Participants experienced some college life with lunch in a campus cafeteria, Cambus travel and campus tour from University of Iowa admissions staff.   

The day ended at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital to make a donation. 

The group was invited at trip registration to consider donating items that they would find useful or enjoyable if they or a sibling needed care at the hospital. 

The group donated more than 250 items to be housed in the Christmas room at the hospital. This room is accessible to patients, families, nurses, doctors, and child life specialists for children who are in need of encouragement and rewards throughout their stay.