The Ohio State University at Lima
06/20/2024 | News release | Archived content
Herner-Patnode STEAMs along with service
Herner-Patnode STEAMs along with service
The Ohio State Lima Outstanding Service Award recognizes individuals for their contributions to the essential work of The Ohio State University at Lima at the highest level of excellence.
Dr. Leah Herner-Patnode, associate professor of education, is one of two winners of the 2024 Outstanding Service Award, which is awarded annually for meritorious service that is above and beyond the duties normally assigned to their positions. Successful candidates demonstrate and support the Buckeye ideal of care for others, as well as carry out the mission of the university on an ongoing basis.
Question
What motivated you to start STEAM on the Quad?
Answer
Amy Langhals and I were brainstorming about events that would draw more students to campus and highlight Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics. We had heard of similar events but they were quite a distance from the Lima campus. Right away we wanted to partner with 4-H and they helped to create many activities for the event and continue to be a great partner.
Question
What does an event like this do for or demonstrate to our students?
Answer
The education students get to practice science and drama activities they are learning in their classes. Engineering students have run flight simulations. English majors have helped students create books. There are demonstrations about the science behind running theater productions. The university students can see the links to future careers and share their enthusiasm for P-8 students.
Question
What does it do for our community?
Answer
- STEAM on the Quad provides hands-on activities that showcase how science and math intersect with many aspects of life and future careers. Charles River Labs is a local company and sponsor and they have great science demonstrations. COSI and the Toledo Zoo have shared family-friendly experiments and brings activities to local students.
- This completely free event leaves students with bag full of items they created and learned about and a head full of future vocation ideas.
- It also shows the community what a great campus is in their backyard.
Question
What has been your favorite part of developing this now long-running event?
Answer
The people I have worked with. I get to work on this event with many departments and staff members from every area of campus. It would not be possible to run the event without staff, students, faculty and 4-H Extension.
If I had to pick a second favorite, I would pick the glee of the children that participate. My own children loved building things, digging for fossils and watching a show in the planetarium.
Question
What has been the most surprising piece or turn of events over the years?
Answer
Last year we weren't expecting the enthusiasm produced by the COSI bus. They had a fabulous, engaging and explosive presentation.
Second, I would say how surprised children and adults are at the planetarium that we have set up in the Perry Webb Student Life Building. It doesn't look large, but it provides a great view of constellations.
Question
How have the Extension partners, campus volunteers and community exhibitors helped make this project a reality?
Answer
- 4-H provides activity tables and volunteers.
- Campus volunteers run registration and help the people running the table activities.
- Students volunteer to help set up and run the event, as well as running tables for various student groups.
- Having a variety of community exhibitors such as Johnny Appleseed Metroparks, Charles River Labs, Lima Symphony and Allen County Soil and Water contribute ideas and experiences that families might not be aware exist in our community.
- Campus departments, including some from Rhodes, offer a variety of experiences. Education, science, math, English, theatre and engineering have brought a variety of perspectives to the event each year.