On Saturday, Feb. 27, College of Western Idaho (CWI) helped promote Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in Valley County by participating in the West Central Mountain iExploreSTEM event in McCall. Approximately 150 visitors attended the inaugural all-ages event, which was sponsored by Umpqua Bank and Valley County 4-H. CWI Education Faculty Molly Wolk, who represented the College’s Education Department, IDoTeach Program, and Life Science Department, provided one of many wonderful demonstrations.
Wolk showcased a demonstration entitled "Edible Epithelial Tissue." In her demonstration, participants were invited to view mammalian epithelial slides under a microscope, explore an integument model that highlighted first and second degree burns, and create 3-D candy models of the eight types of epithelial tissue. Many visitors to the table were curious not only about histology and the edible models, but also about CWI as an institution. Wolk says the iExploreSTEM venue allowed for wonderful dialogue about not only the importance of STEM but also about the value of the community college experience.
CWI was joined at the event by: Boise State University, Brundage Mountain, Epikos Land Planning and Architecture, Epoch Land Surveying, HP, Idaho Power, McCall Fire Department, McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS), Micron Foundation, Midas Gold, Nez Perce Fisheries, Northwest Nazarene University, Payette Avalanche Center, Ponderosa State Park, Rich Stowell Aviation, Snowdon Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Valley Country Astronomical Society.
