14th annual Tech Wars expose students to sci-tech careers
Some Niagara and Erie County students flexed their science, technology, engineering and mathematic skills at the 14th annual Tech Wars. YNN’s Nicki Mayo tells us how the daylong “S.T.E.M.” competition aimed to raise math and science skills among Western New York's young people.
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NIAGARA COUNTY, N.Y. – “I think it’s a great experience for everyone who loves tech. Loves building. Loves anything that involves getting your hands dirty,” said Clarence Middle School sixth grader Zachary Edwards.
The Edwards’ twins are among the 700 students competing in the 14th annual Tech Wars at Niagara County Community College.
“We’re just competing with our machines, buildings and instruments that we make out of random stuff. We have to think so hard about this,” said Nathaniel Edwards.
Students from Niagara and Erie Counties competed in 22 activities Wednesday. Everything from carbon dioxide car races, robot sumo wrestling and bridge building focused on science.
The KidWind project teaches students about physics, meteorology and engineering.
“We’re showing them how to generate power. Whether it is through wind power, hydropower, or the steam from our power plant, it’s all the same,” said Kid Wind Project’s Brad Weaver.
The Tech Wars are designed to get more students involved in science and math. There’s also a push to attract more young ladies toward careers in technology and engineering.
“Usually girls that are involved in science are ruled as geeks and stuff. I don’t think they should be geeks because they are smart,” said Emmet Belknap Middle School sixth grader Ciara Monroe.
“I like doing experiments and stiff. It’s hands on science,” added Clarence Middle School student Lauren Cullinan.
Tech Wars organizers say sci-tech careers are booming for Western New York jobseekers.
“I typically have more jobs than graduates every semester even in this recession,” said NCCC Engineering Professor Mark Voisinet.
The Edwards twins say “STEM,” or science, technology, engineering and mathematic programs like Tech Wars prepare them for the future.
“It taught me a lesson. It taught me that nothing comes easily you have to practice and practice and work really hard,” said Zachary Edwards.