Mind Trekkers makes science fun for students in Houghton area

HOUGHTON, Mich. (WLUC) - Mind Trekkers , a Michigan Tech STEM outreach group, set up demonstrations showing the fun and exciting side of science at the Carnegie Museum in Houghton on Saturday.

Exhibits, including electricity and circuitry, structural design, and problem solving, helped students understand the laws that govern the world around us and inspired curiosity.

Kira Shaffer, the vice president of Mind Trekkers, hoped this demonstration created a lasting interest in science.

"My hope is to get people more involved in STEM and just more aware that it's an option out there," said Shaffer. "I know sometimes that students think that science is just a hard subject and it's not fun and everything. So, my ultimate goal is just to show people how fun science can be and how engaging it can be."

Shaffer said she was pleasantly surprised by the large turnout Saturday.

The demonstrations spanned both floors of the Carnegie Museum: a space that frequently hosts programs like Mind Trekkers.

The Director of the Carnegie Museum, Elise Nelson, said the museum does not have a traditional collection.

"Instead of having a collection, we have rotating exhibits and programs about the area," said Nelson. "So, depending on how often you come you might see something different every time you come. Today, one of the things we like to do is bring in programs from other sources that serve the community."

Mind Trekkers hopes these demonstrations might one day inspire students to pursue a career in STEM.

The Carnegie Museum will host a holiday open house on December 14.

Mind Trekkers will have a larger demonstration at its OneUP Copper Trail Festival on December 10.