Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) was proud to be part of this spring’s Portland Public Schools STEM Expos, bringing hands-on science and discovery directly to students across the city.
Across three events, SMCC faculty and students led interactive “exploration stations” designed to spark curiosity and make complex scientific concepts tangible for learners from elementary through high school.
On March 12 at Portland High School, Erin Adams led an “Air and Sea Currents” exhibit that highlighted real-time data collection from drifters built and deployed by SMCC students. Participants designed and tested their own “air drifters,” gaining a firsthand understanding of how currents move through the Gulf of Maine.
On April 2 at Deering High School, Mike Dennis and Chris Darling, alongside SMCC students, guided visitors through “Guts: How does your digestive system work?” Using anatomical models and hands-on activities, students explored pH levels throughout the digestive system and learned how processes like peristalsis function in the human body.
That same interactive experience continued on April 10 at Talbot Elementary School, where Tanya Kelly and Daniel Moore, Ph.D., Chair of Biological Sciences, led another “Guts” exploration station, engaging younger students with the same energy and curiosity-driven approach.
These events brought together educators, nonprofit organizations, and local partners to create dynamic, activity-based learning environments. For SMCC, they also represent something more: an opportunity to connect early with students in our community, helping them see what’s possible through STEM education and the pathways available to them at the College.
Thank you to Erin, Tanya, Chris, Mike, and Daniel for going above and beyond to represent SMCC and share their passion for science. Their work reflects the College’s commitment to hands-on learning, community engagement, and building the next generation of Maine’s workforce.