A proposal to launch a junior high STEM club that would broaden students’ hands-on science and engineering experiences passed unanimously during a Palmerton Area School District board meeting Saturday.

Junior High Principal David Sodl outlined the club on behalf of STEM teacher William Zeky, saying it would give students more opportunities to deepen what they already learn in class.

“The goal is to inspire students to explore and apply STEM concepts through project-based learning,” Sodl said. “They would be designing, building, testing and presenting innovative projects and solutions.”

Sodl said many STEM activities in class aren’t long enough for students to fully develop.

“This club would let them extend projects that they may only be scratching the surface on during class,” Sodl said. The club would also allow students to participate in regional competitions.

Sodl said Zeky is involved in the Chief Science Officers program, a grades 7-12 initiative through the intermediate unit.

“Students in the STEM club could also be part of that program,” Sodl said.

He said the club would strengthen continuity between the junior high and high school STEM programs. The experience could also encourage students to consider robotics once they enter high school.

“This would give junior high students some exposure to that and hopefully pique their interest to take that elective,” Sodl said.

Superintendent Angela Friebolin expressed support for the proposal.