Kamin Science Center Scitech Days 2025-2026- Engineering/Physics and STEAM

The Kamin Science Center hosts its monthly Scitech Days from September through May each year that middle school and high school students can attend. Scitech Days allow students to connect with STEM professionals from companies, universities, and professional societies and organizations. Students participate in interactive demonstrations at activity tables hosted by these groups and receive education and career advice from STEM professionals at career connection sessions to expand their knowledge in a multitude of career fields. Each month is a different theme to provide students with the opportunity to learn about various fields of interest including engineering, natural science, and sports medicine.

The American Society of Civil Engineers’ Pittsburgh Section served as a sponsor for the 2025-2026 Scitech Days and actively participated in the Engineering/Physics and STEAM Scitech Days.  ASCE’s Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) demonstrated their MOLA structures kits, shake table, and wind tunnel exhibits to students for the Engineering/Physics Scitech Day on 2/19. The Engineering and Water Resources Institute (EWRI) showcased the watershed model for students as part of the STEAM Scitech Day held on 3/12. Also, SEI, EWRI, and the Educational Outreach Committee volunteered for the career connection sessions at both Scitech Days where they discussed their daily job roles and answered students’ education and career related questions.

Both SEI and EWRI’s demonstration tables gathered a large crowd of enthusiastic and inquisitive students who wanted to learn more about structural and environmental engineering. Additionally, students had thoughtful questions for ASCE’s career connections panelists, which facilitated substantive conversations about civil engineering and the essential role civil engineers have in society.

 Ultimately, the main goal of these Scitech Days is to make complex science and engineering concepts engaging and understandable for young students as well as to provide inspiration and guidance for the next generation of STEM professionals. The ASCE Pittsburgh Section, SEI, and EWRI volunteered their time, efforts, and expertise to help achieve this goal for this program year’s Scitech Days.

Structural Engineering Institute Members Bradley Byrom (left) and Sudarshan Kasera (right) showcasing the shake table and MOLA structure kits at the Engineering/Physics Scitech Day on 2/19/2026.

Engineering and Water Resources Institute Members Noel Rangel (left), Johnathan Wall (center), and Cesar Simon (right) demonstrating the watershed model at the STEAM Scitech Day on 3/12/2026.