OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter today joined a group of 11 students from Positive Tomorrows to tour the Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum’s new science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning lab after a recent office-wide fundraiser produced enough money to pay for students’ admission and provide lunch.
Volunteer coordinators in the attorney general’s office came up with the idea to send the kids to the STEM lab after a T-shirt sale left the office with over $250 in cash.
Attorney General Mike Hunter said he is proud of the volunteers in the office for putting the money toward a good cause and hopes his office can carry on a similar tradition in the future.
“These kids were able to receive a hands-on educational experience on the history and forensic science that went on behind the scenes after one of the worst tragedies in American history,” Attorney General Hunter said. “I am proud coordinators in my office decided to put the extra money to good use and send these kids to the museum to teach them about science and technology.
“Providing this experience to children and ensuring they get to learn more about state history is something I hope my office can continue in the future.”
The STEM lab allowed students to work together as investigators on the bombing case, just as law enforcement and forensic experts did in the aftermath of April 19, 1995. Students were able to learn new methods of crime investigation and how the Oklahoma City Bombing changed the way federal buildings are now constructed.
Using state of the art technology, students also created their own structures and were able to test them against both man-made and natural scenarios.
President and Principal at Positive Tomorrows Susan Agel said using the technology at the STEM lab allowed students to learn how STEM education shapes future leaders and problem solvers.
“I appreciate Attorney General Hunter and his generous staff, who provided this tremendous experience for these children,” Agel said. “They are all too young to have lived through the bombing, but bringing them here allows them to learn about the tragedy and gives them an opportunity to become inspired about careers in science.”
Since 1989, Positive Tomorrows has been the state’s only elementary school specifically for homeless children. The school addresses both educational and basic needs for underprivileged kids.
The museum’s STEM lab opened in January 2016 and focuses on teaching kids how science, technology, engineering and math were crucial to solving the case in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City Bombing, said National Memorial Board Education Chair Ann-Clore Duncan.
“We allow kids the opportunity to explore STEM-related careers in an interactive atmosphere where application merges with theory,” Duncan said. “It is an honor to host Positive Tomorrows and we appreciate the staff in the attorney general’s office for thinking of these children and the museum for their donation choice.”
Attorney General Mike Hunter talks with kids from Positive Tomorrows about the importance of STEM education. Photo provided by Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.
Attorney General Mike Hunter (middle), sits with Memorial Board Education Chair Ann-Clore Duncan (left), as General Hunter discusses building techniques with students at the STEM lab. Photo provided by Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum.