CHOWAN COUNTY — Chowan Middle School students participated in an immersive, all-day Wind STEM Day, an interactive learning experience designed to connect science, technology, engineering, and math with real-world careers in northeastern North Carolina.
The school-wide event held on Dec. 19, 2025, allowed every student to rotate through hands-on engineering stations where they designed and tested wind turbine components, analyzed data, and solved real-world problems alongside industry professionals.
School leaders intentionally structured the day as a full experience rather than a short assembly, giving students time to explore, ask questions, and make meaningful connections across activities.
Wind STEM Day served as the capstone to the school’s Quarter 2 Wind Energy unit and aligns with district goals to expand STEM pathways and career awareness for students in grades 6-8. Through its STEM Explorers initiative, Chowan Middle School connects classroom instruction to regional industries that drive the local economy.
The event was led by Mrs. Foster, who coordinated planning and ensured each activity reflected authentic engineering concepts. Extensive logistical support was provided by Ms. Scellato and Mrs. Cortezano, who prepared and organized materials, and by Assistant Principal Mrs. Copeland, who facilitated the support and movement of more than 400 students through multiple stations. Community partnerships were central to the day’s success.
Students worked with turbine kits and engineering challenges from KidWind and engaged with professionals from Apex Clean Energy–Timbermill Wind, gaining insight into renewable energy careers. District leadership and board members also supported the event.
By focusing on industries students encounter daily such as wind energy, engineering, and environmental science, the event emphasized that STEM careers are not distant or abstract, but available within the local community. Educators noted particularly high engagement among students who benefit from hands-on learning or who may not typically see themselves as high achievers in traditional academic settings.
Mrs. Lopez shared, “STEM Day matters because it shows our students that the future isn’t far away it’s right here in Chowan County,”
“When students design, test, and solve real-world problems, they begin to see themselves as capable, creative, and full of potential,” said school officials.
Chowan Middle School plans to continue offering several STEM Days each year, aligned with agriculture, wind energy, aerospace, and maritime science, as part of its ongoing STEM Explorers program.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Thank you, Edenton-Chowan Schools, for the photos and videos. Compilation photo on our YouTube channel was created by the Albemarle Observer staff.
