That's a Wrap on STEM The Gap's Fall Session!
- Sanika Das
- Jan 18
- 3 min read
The time flies by so fast...In just three months, STEM the Gap's Fall Session 2025 has reached its end. We enjoyed a season full of curiousity and problem-solving, exploring topics from the science of fall to electrical engineering. The girls had a blast learning all about different STEM fields, and the lessons they learned last year will carry into the rest of their lives. Check out a few of our favorite memories from the Fall Session below :)
October 11th, 2025 - The Science of Fall
We kicked off the Fall Session with an apt lesson: "The Science of Fall!" On October 11th, the girls learned about why the seasons change and how Earth's ecosystem adapts to the weather. To explore these concepts further, we went on a nature walk through the forest, collecting leaves to use in our leaf chromatography experiment! The girls extracted natural pigments and observed how leaf colors change in response to temperature. Finally, we concluded with a fun activity...pumpkin launchers! Popsicle sticks and rubber bands became pumpkin-launching catapults as we learned the physics behind projectiles.
October 25th - Software Engineering
October 25th brought us to our next lesson, "Software Engineering!" Guided by STEM the Gap mentor Ashlyn Casale, the girls learned how software engineers use algorithms and technology to design the products we use in our day-to-day lives. Then, they became software engineers themselves, coding a "program" for making PB&J and their own binary code bracelets!
November 7th - Chemical Engineering
Whoooooosh! That's what you would've heard if you were at STEM the Gap's third Fall Session lesson: "Chemical Engineering!" Led by STEM the Gap mentor Karisha Patel, the girls were introduced to chemical properties and engineering practices, including how products we use daily are formulated in the lab. They then experimented with ratios as they combined chemicals to automatically inflate their balloons. We ended off with DIY volcanoes, mixing baking soda with lemons to create crazy explosions!
November 22nd - Architectural Engineering
November 22nd was all about Architectural Engineering! Together, we learned how engineers not only design buildings, but also make sure they are structurally sound to ensure everyone's safety. Then, the girls put their skills to the test by designing earthquake-resistant buildings. Each team utilized creative techniques, showing off their impressive design skills. And the best part? They all passed the shake test!
December 6th - Structural Engineering
STEM the Gap mentors Riley Shafer and Brinda Kannan brought us our December 6th lesson: "Structural Engineering!" In true holiday fashion, they demonstrated the STEM behind structures through gingerbread houses and candy cane sleighs. The girls had a fun (and messy) time building their houses with the techniques they learned during the lesson.
December 20th - Electrical Engineering
Sooner than we realized, we reached the final lesson of the session: "Electrical Engineering." STEM the Gap mentor Ashlynn Wees taught the girls how circuits transport energy to power our lives. Then, they created their own human circuits and light-up Christmas cards! The girls had a blast making presents for their families to open on Christmas morning.
At last, our Fall Session 2025 came to a close. Thank you to all the parents who continue to support us, the donors who empower us, and most importantly, the girls who who believe in us. We truly could not do this without you!
See you soon,
The STEM the Gap team
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