6th Grade STEAM Career Day

Each spring, sixth-grade students from across Morrow County step onto the campus of The Ohio State University at Marion for a day filled with discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning. Through the 6th Grade STEAM Career Day—hosted in partnership with OSU Extension Morrow County 4-H Educator Amanda Staley—students are introduced to the exciting possibilities within science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).

Students from Highland, Cardington-Lincoln, and Northmor schools participate in this immersive campus experience, where curiosity is encouraged and exploration takes center stage.

Throughout the day, students rotate through a series of interactive sessions led by Ohio State Marion faculty and staff, with support from undergraduate students. Each session is designed to connect classroom learning to real-world careers while creating an engaging and accessible environment for young learners.

Sessions taught this year include:

• The Chemistry of Coca-Cola Caviar – exploring molecular gastronomy and chemical reactions
• Prairie Power: Explore & Create! – investigating ecosystems and making seed bombs to support pollinators
• Naming Nature! – identifying plants, lichens, and organisms like a field scientist
• Rolling into Robotics: Coding with Sphero – programming robots to solve challenges
• Human Blood Typing – simulating how medical professionals analyze and match blood samples
• Your Body Is Built to Move – discovering how movement impacts health, brain function, and wellness
• Design Lab Remix – using color, layout, and imagery to communicate ideas through design
• Electric Spark: DIY Flashlight Lab – building and testing a working LED flashlight
• Power Up: Circuits & Coding! – combining hardware and programming to create simple systems
• Pressed by Nature – identifying plants and creating scientific-style leaf prints 

“Experiences like STEAM Career Day help students see that learning goes far beyond the classroom,” said Tiffiny Rye-McCurdy, Director of Youth and Community Learning. “By connecting hands-on activities to real careers, we’re helping students begin to imagine what their futures could look like.”

Designed to spark early career awareness, the program encourages students to try new things, ask questions, and build confidence in their abilities. For many, it is also their first experience on a college campus—an opportunity that helps make higher education feel both accessible and attainable.

Students participate in small groups throughout the day, allowing for meaningful interaction, collaboration, and engagement. The result is a fast-paced, high-energy experience that leaves students inspired and excited about the possibilities ahead.