Empowering Walnut Park: Building Futures Through STEM and Community Engagement
Thats Who We Are
"Walnut Park Youth Shine Bright with LED Light Lessons"
Walbridge STEM Elementary School
PK thru 2nd Grade
"Walnut Park Youth Shine Bright with LED Light Lessons"
In Walnut Park, STEM ON WHEELS is igniting young minds with an engaging, hands-on lesson on LED (Light Emitting Diodes) lights for PK-2nd grade students. Through interactive learning, the youth are introduced to the three primary colors—red, green, and blue—commonly used to create over two million shades for various commercial applications. A complex and fascinating subject has been carefully broken down to a level where they can fully understand and enjoy the experience.
Look at how excited and eager these young learners are as they explore a brand-new concept! By planting these seeds of curiosity and knowledge, we are nurturing future scientists, engineers, doctors, air traffic controllers, and other professionals who can achieve six-figure incomes—right here from this underserved community. Beyond STEM skills, this program also strengthens social-emotional development, building confidence, resilience, and a sense of purpose in the youth of this great, beautiful community. Together, we are lighting the way to brighter futures!
(STEM) SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS
Walbridge Elementary School 3rd grade thru 5th grade students
When these amazing young people build a circuit that includes an LED, light switch, battery, and jumper wires, they are engaging in multiple areas of STEM:
1. Science (Physics & Electricity)
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Electricity and Circuits: They learn about the flow of electric current, how a circuit works, and the basic principles of electricity (conductors, insulators, and voltage).
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Energy Transformation: Understanding how electrical energy is transformed into light energy when the LED lights up.
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Scientific Inquiry: As they experiment with building the circuit, they develop hypotheses and observe cause-and-effect relationships.
2. Technology
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Electronic Components: They gain exposure to basic electronic components like LEDs, switches, and batteries, which are foundational elements in modern technology.
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Systems Thinking: Understanding how different parts of a system (power source, switch, and LED) work together to perform a function.
3. Engineering
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Design and Problem-Solving: Building the circuit involves designing a functional system, troubleshooting when it doesn’t work, and iterating to improve it.
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Electrical Engineering Concepts: This activity introduces fundamental concepts in electrical engineering, such as how circuits are designed and how switches control the flow of electricity.
4. Mathematics
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Basic Measurements: If they use a multimeter, they can measure voltage, current, and resistance.
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Ohm’s Law (optional for advanced students): Understanding the relationship between voltage, current, and resistance can be introduced in more advanced sessions.
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Counting and Sequencing: Younger students can practice counting components, sequencing steps, and recognizing patterns in circuits.
Social-Emotional Skills (Bonus)
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Collaboration: Building circuits in teams helps them develop teamwork and communication skills.
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Resilience and Confidence: When they successfully build a circuit, they gain confidence in their abilities and learn perseverance by troubleshooting and problem-solving.
If you noticed, not one of them gave up. They worked together, discussed ideas as a team, and were overjoyed when they accomplished their mission. Watching these 7 to 9-year-olds from an underserved community push through challenges and succeed shows the limitless potential they hold. These young learners proved that with the right support and encouragement, the sky is the limit—and they will be great. By planting these seeds of curiosity, teamwork, and perseverance, we are preparing them to become future scientists, engineers, innovators, and leaders in their communities.
By building an LED circuit, students experience a hands-on approach to learning, covering science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, while also developing critical life skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience. This combination of technical knowledge and social-emotional growth is key to unlocking a brighter future for these youth.
"Walnut Park Youth Experience the Magic of LED Technology at Lady of the Snow"
As part of our mission to bring STEM education to life, STEM ON WHEELS took the youth from the Walbridge Neighborhood on an exciting field trip to the Lady of the Snow LED Light Christmas Showcase. This immersive experience served as a reinforcement of the LED lecture and lab they had previously attended.
Seeing the dazzling display of millions of LED lights in action was a thrilling and unforgettable moment for the youth. They expressed pure joy and excitement as they recognized how the concepts they had learned—about LED technology, primary colors, and light dynamics—were being applied in the real world, right before their very eyes. It was a powerful moment of realization, where abstract classroom lessons transformed into a tangible, awe-inspiring experience. They weren’t just spectators; they were budding scientists, engineers, and innovators who understood the dynamics of what they were seeing.
As they walked through the illuminated pathways and took in the vibrant light show, their faces lit up with smiles, laughter, and curiosity. This display of genuine excitement wasn’t just about the lights—it reflected a deeper, emotional connection to the learning process. It was a clear peak in their social-emotional well-being, as they celebrated their newfound knowledge, shared their excitement with one another, and proudly explained what they had learned to peers and instructors.
The joy they expressed demonstrated how hands-on STEM experiences, when combined with real-world exposure, can have a profound impact on a child’s confidence and emotional growth. It gave them a sense of achievement and belonging, reinforcing the idea that learning isn’t just confined to a classroom—it’s all around them, waiting to be discovered and explored.
This experience not only deepened their understanding of STEM concepts but also planted seeds of inspiration for future scientists, engineers, doctors, air traffic controllers, and technology innovators. The field trip showed them that the world of STEM is accessible, exciting, and full of endless possibilities.
The smiles, laughter, and sheer enthusiasm of the youth on this trip were a testament to the success of our program. It was a reminder that with exposure, encouragement, and hands-on learning opportunities, we are shaping future leaders who will break barriers and transform their communities. Moments like these validate the importance of STEM ON WHEELS and our commitment to inspiring, educating, and empowering youth from underserved communities to dream big and aim high.
"STEM ON WHEELS: Empowering Youth, Strengthening Families, and Building Community"
At STEM ON WHEELS, we believe that true empowerment begins not only with educating and inspiring youth but also by supporting families and bringing the community together. Our mission goes beyond STEM education—we are dedicated to serving the entire family and fostering a sense of unity and belonging in the neighborhoods we serve.
One shining example of this commitment was our collaboration with Dr. TD Irving and the Greater St. Paul Church, Lisa Porter and 4 Walls and Beyond, and Dr. Marvetta Butler and The Doctors Touch Outreach to distribute full turkey dinners to residents of the Walbridge neighborhood. This event wasn’t just about giving out meals—it was about coming together as a community, ensuring families felt cared for, and celebrating the spirit of giving.
Together with our incredible partners, STEM ON WHEELS is working to serve not only youth through education but also entire families by creating meaningful experiences and providing essential support. By strengthening both individuals and families, we are helping to build a brighter, more resilient future for everyone in our community.
"Alderwoman Pamela Boyd:
A True Champion for Walnut Park"
"Alderwoman Pamela Boyd: A True Champion for Walnut Park"
We are honored to work alongside Alderwoman Pamela Boyd, a dedicated and tireless advocate for the Walnut Park Community. Her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of residents and creating opportunities for youth and families is truly inspiring.
As the Alderwoman of Walnut Park, Pamela Boyd has been instrumental in supporting community initiatives and fostering partnerships that uplift the neighborhood. Her leadership, vision, and hard work have made a significant impact on the well-being of the entire community. We are incredibly grateful for her support and the amazing work she continues to do for Walnut Park.
Thank you, Alderwoman Boyd, for being a true champion of progress and for always putting the needs of the community first. Together, we are making a difference!
"Breakfast with Santa: A Joyous Celebration of Community and Giving"
"Breakfast with Santa: A Joyous Celebration of Community and Giving"
Our Breakfast with Santa event, led by Mrs. Lisa Porter, the visionary author of this wonderful initiative, in partnership with STEM ON WHEELS, was a heartwarming success. This event was designed to bring holiday cheer to the youth and families of the Walnut Park community, while also providing essential support during the winter season.
At Breakfast with Santa, youth were treated to a delicious free breakfast, ensuring they started their day with warm smiles and full bellies. In addition, they received coats, free haircuts, and many other much-needed items, helping to meet their basic needs and spread joy during the holiday season.
This event was about more than just gifts and food—it was about fostering a sense of community, showing care for one another, and creating lasting memories for the youth. We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Lisa Porter for her dedication and partnership in making this event a meaningful and impactful experience for all. Together, we continue to work toward uplifting and empowering the families of Walnut Park!
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