Chaney STEM program gets 3rd consecutive Gov. Award for Excellence

YOUNGSTOWN

For the third consecutive year, the Chaney Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics program earned a Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education.

Chaney is one of 57 Ohio schools to receive the award from the Ohio Academy of Science. Chaney first earned the award after its first year in operation and has racked up one each year since.

The school scored seven of 10 points to get the award, said Pam Lubich, STEM coordinator.

Eighth-graders in Ryan Witkoski’s STEM class, their instruction booklets spread before them, worked diligently Thursday assembling miniature bicycles.

“This is the seat,” said Justin Young, pointing to one piece of the half-finished work. “This is where the handlebars will go.”

Justin said he enjoys the class because he likes to build things.

He didn’t have much time to talk, though. He and his teammates were on the fifth of 13 steps to build the bike. and they were anxious to complete the task.

“This is what students in STEM like to do,” Lubich said. “They like to make things.”

Across the hall in Sharon Ragan’s STEM class, students were busy in front of computers creating comic strips about green (or environmentally friendly) architecture.

Juniors and seniors from Tim Bakos’ class will teach younger aspiring scientists during Silly Science Sunday at Oh Wow! The Roger and Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science and Technology.

Read more about these outstanding Youngstown students in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.