This past Saturday, ICP TEAMS had the honor of participating in the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe’s annual STEM Day. It was a truly inspiring event that brought together students, families, and educators to celebrate the power of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.
As a community deeply rooted in tradition and innovation, the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe demonstrated how STEM can bridge the past with the future. Throughout the day, students engaged in hands-on activities that sparked curiosity, ignited passion, and expanded their understanding of the world around them. From robotics challenges to environmental science demonstrations, every station was designed to make learning fun and accessible for all ages.
One of the most exciting parts of the day was our ice cream-making station, where we explored the science of freezing point depression and heat transfer. Using just two plastic bags, ice, salt, and basic ingredients, students learned how chemistry can be applied to create a delicious treat!
Here’s how it worked: We filled the larger bag with ice and salt, while the smaller bag contained the ice cream mixture. By adding salt to the ice, we lowered its freezing point, allowing the temperature around the ice cream mixture to drop significantly. As the ice began to melt, it absorbed heat from the ice cream mixture, causing it to freeze. With every shake of the bag, the students could feel the magic of science at work as the cream slowly turned into ice cream. The result? Smiles all around and a deeper understanding of the principles behind freezing point depression!
This simple yet effective experiment demonstrated how STEM can be accessible, engaging, and fun. It was a powerful reminder that learning can happen anywhere—even while making a tasty treat.
The Waccamaw Siouan Tribe’s commitment to education and community empowerment was evident throughout the event. We were inspired by the Tribe’s vision for the future—a future where education and technology work hand-in-hand to create lasting change.
At ICP TEAMS, we believe in the importance of partnering with communities to foster a love of learning and provide resources that help students succeed in their academic and professional journeys. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe and other communities, working together to build a brighter future through STEM education.
Thank you to everyone who made this day possible, especially the Waccamaw Siouan Tribe for welcoming us with open arms. We can’t wait to see the incredible achievements that will emerge from the young learners we met this weekend!