Hundreds of students from across the Central Coast will get a first-hand look at how Watsonville Police officers use Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) to help do their job.
The Watsonville Police Department is one of nine organizations participating in the largest STEM Runway in the history of the California International Airshow Salinas, this weekend (March 23-24).
WPD’s Traffic Unit will recreate the scene of a car accident to show middle schoolers how STEM helps with their investigations. Officers will also showcase an infrared robot used during special response callouts. Officers use the robot to search buildings before entering a potentially dangerous situation, giving them a better idea of what they’re dealing with.
The goal is to get students interested in STEM and inspire them to pursue careers in these fields.
Salinas Valley Memorial Healthcare System, Hartnell College, the Naval Postgraduate School, the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, KION-TV, the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute will also provide interactive exhibits, tours, and educational workshops.
“We’re excited to welcome our new STEM Program partners to the California International Airshow, ” said Claudia Otero, Director of Community Outreach for the Californian International Airshow Salinas. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and a great learning experience.”
Students will get private tours of the STEM Runway on Saturday and Sunday from 8:15 AM to 11:30 AM. The STEM Runway, located next to the Kids Zone at the Salinas Municipal Airport, will be open to the public at noon and is free of charge.
For additional information on airshow tickets and STEM exhibits, click HERE