Orefield Middle School had its first ever STEAMM expo in May.

STEAMM stands for science, technology, engineering, math and medicine

The expo featured more than 40 tables and presentations related to careers in these fields in the school’s gym.

Ninety students involved in the middle school’s “STEM in Action” developed the idea for the expo after wanting to share science with younger students.

Although the club is advised by Christie Schlaner and Dianne Caspersen, both science teachers at the school, both women say the event was almost completely planned by students involved in the club.

“They’ve really been just amazing. They planned the whole day, right down to the layout of the gym. They really took seriously their goal of sharing science with others,” Caspersen said.

Sixth graders and fifth graders from Schnecksville, Ironton, Kernsville and Kratzer visited the expo, with the goal of becoming excited about science.

“You can’t participate in science fair until you’re in seventh grade and we want them to get excited about science earlier and know that there are ways you can participate in it here,” said Parthysha Kothane, an eighth grader at Orefield who was an integral planner of the event.

Students were given a “passport,” and could win prizes the more stations they visited.

At one station, students might learn how structures are built to avoid damage from earthquakes.

There was also a liquid nitrogen demonstration by employees from Air Products and other guest speakers.

“This event went even better than expected and it’s just so wonderful to seeing kids get excited about science,” Kothane said.