In education parlance, the acronym STEAM stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math.  Wednesday, Fishers High School students were involved in a STEAM competition sponsored by Duke Energy and POWER Engineers.

The project is funded by a $5,900 grant from Duke Energy Foundation coupled with a $6,695 grant from POWER.  The program introduces high school students to STEAM concepts.

In one session, students were tasked with designing power transmission lines, thinking about all the factors involved in accomplishing such a task.  Papers were strung around the room, representing power lines.

“They were told to take their crepe paper and connect point A to point B,” said Lew Middleton of Duke Energy.  “The only restriction was they could not do it in a direct line.  They had to creatively find ways around.  As the exercise went on, they learned about different obstacles, different challenges that would come up, when trying to locate a power line.”

The program kickoff extends through February 5th and 6th.

Teams will continue to work over the next eight weeks. Once proof of concept has been demonstrated, the students will create presentations using selected technology, such as drone photography, 3D printing and virtual reality.

“We feel very fortunate to be included in this endeavor with Duke and POWER. This experience helps make what we’re teaching students in the classroom relevant,” says Fishers High School Principal Jason Urban. “We are thankful of community partners that are willing to invest in our students.”

The event concludes on April 30 at Fishers High School. Teams will have 30 minutes to present their final presentations to a panel of leading industry experts.