It was a day of fun and learning for children at the CSLWP STEM Ecosystem seminar at the Weatherly Area Public Library.

The Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit 21 hosted “Fun With Fingerprints,” one of 10 workshops offered by the STEM Program.

Nearly 30 area elementary-aged students preregistered for this program.

Facilitator Christin Adams read a book to them that dealt with investigating some missing cupcakes. The children also learned how to examine their own fingerprints using markers, cocoa powder, tape, and a mirror.

“Today we will be talking about fingerprints, investigation forensics, and we’re going to tie it to a career, “ Adams said.

“We also have several books we are donating to the Weatherly Library. Our goal is to engage our students during the summer and give them hands-on activities that are not only connected to careers, but also give them some hands-on science activities. They can see that science is fun and it’s all around us. We are here to share the love of science and the scientific process.”

Tony Mirabito, staff development facilitator with the CLIU 21 and the second facilitator of the workshop, described the STEM program.

“CLIU 21 is a partner with the Carbon, Schuylkill, Luzerne, Wayne, and Pike STEM Ecosystem, a nationally recognized STEP Ecosystem, with the goal to arm students with the skills needed to be ready for today’s careers,” Mirabito said. “Our work is a collaborative effort of schools and intermediate units, local businesses, higher education partners, government officials, and others. Today our workshop is a result of a collaborative effort for both content and funding looking to further our reach into other community organizations such as public libraries and the Rotary.”

At the end of the workshop, each child received a gift bag containing materials to build a small catapult, and a bookmark with a link to a website with even more scientific experiments the children can do.

STEM has 10 different activities, such as the “Fun With Fingerprints” program, that they will be sharing in local communities.