Atomic Expo event is held at ORHS
From robotics and medicine to clothing and snack businesses, a recent event highlighted science, technology and business projects by students in Oak Ridge Schools.
Billed as the Atomic Expo, the October event featured demonstrations from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge Associated Universities, Tennessee College of Applied Technology of Knoxville and other companies in the Oak Ridge area, all presenting at Oak Ridge High School.
However, student classes and clubs from Oak Ridge’s schools shined.
The ORHS WildBots showed off their ring tossing robot.
Other high school students had a booth about dual-enrollment medical studies.
A Jefferson Middle School Lego team showed off its robotics achievements.
Robertsville Middle School displayed its students’ on-demand manufacturing program, building items like eraser and marker holders.
ORHS students showed off their entrepreneurial efforts, including businesses that sold clothing, lip gloss, lawn care and snacks, among other items. Some programs were more technology based than others.
For Holly Cross, career and technical advisor at Oak Ridge High School, all of these aspects tied together.
“We were trying to connect students with industry and thinking about future careers and then celebrate all the kinds of learning that students do in all of our schools,” she said.
Oak Ridge Schools Superintendent Bruce Borchers expressed similar thoughts in a news release.
“We are fortunate to be part of a unique community with a rich history and cutting-edge industry in our own back yard,” he said. “Exposing our students to the fascinating world of nuclear science opens the door for high-paying careers and opportunities to engage in the local economy.”
