Marian University 2025 STEM Grant

The Scientech Foundation's $10,000 grant to Marian University supports the University's INnovation Through Engineering! Summer Camp and the Witcher-on-Wheels (WOW) Initiative. Binh Q. Tran, Ph.D., Dean of the Marian University Witchger School of Engineering explains that these innovative programs are designed to inspire and engage high school students in STEM education.

Several Scientech Foundation board members and their spouses attended the final spring presentation of the Center for the Performing Arts' the Science of Light and Sound at the Palladium in Carmel on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.

Two-hundred-nineteen fourth-graders and 22 adults from public and private schools in Carmel and Zionsville gathered on the orchestra floor. The hour-long STEAM program was integrated with the students' science curriculum. The program used the Palladium's state-of-the-art light and sound systems.

"Doctors" Rob Glass and Brian Coon reviewed the physics of light and sound with the students. What are the wavelengths of visible and invisible light and of audible and inaudible sound? Why don't we see a flash of lightning and hear the boom of thunder at the same time? Does light or sound need a medium for transmission? Can you hear an explosion in the vacuum of space, as in a Star Wars movie? How can an elephant "hear" a low-frequency thump on the ground six miles away?

After an interactive, entertaining and educational program, the students danced and sang as they left the Palladium.

To watch a short YouTube video of students singing and dancing to Rick Astley's "I'll Never Let You Down" use this link.

https://youtube.com/shorts/5O1GVQb6Rk4

Members of the Scientech Foundation's Board of Directors met on April 2, 2025 at the Broadmoor Country Club.

The Scientech Foundation has become a primary sponsor of the Center for the Performing Arts' Science of Light & Sound. The program is coordinated with the science curriculum for 4th graders. 1,137 students participated in 2024 from schools in Washington Township, Carmel, Westfield and Indianapolis and from homeshools. The Palladium’s state of the art acoustics and lighting systems provide a perfect environment to study science concepts. For example, the discussion of light includes color temperature, light reflection and visual temperature, and additive and subtractive color mixing. The discussion of sound includes a demonstration of sound waves, basic properties of sound (such as pitch, volume, frequency), how musical instruments produce sound, and how acoustics affect sound quality.

Scientech Foundation Secretary Robert Yee presents a check for $10,000 to Julia Shildmyer-Heighway, the Center's Director of Education & Community Engagement. The Foundation's sponsorship will allow the Center to expand the Science of Light & Sound program.

Scientech Foundation President Jeff Rasley presented a $10,000 check to the IAC's CEO Mark Williams to support the Center's Art & Science Summer Camp for 10-14 year olds. Campers will use computers and 3D printers in the IAC's "Scientech Foundation Maker Space" to blend art and engineering. Williams explained, "Campers will leave with their projects, including 3D-printed models, mini-robots, and unique art pieces to show off their newfound skills."

Fourth, fifth and sixth graders in Wayne Township's Chapelwood Elementary School met at least twice each week after school, over weekends and during breaks to build robots. With teacher and coach Mary Mason's guidance, the students designed and built remotely-controlled robots to compete in the VEX Robotics program. This year, the robots shot 6-inch balls through four goals and passed balls between themselves while navigating the playing field. In a regional competition, two of Chapelwood's three teams placed in the top 10 and one team won the alliance competition. The Scientech Foundation is proud to sponsor Chapelwood's teams.

Teacher and students at Stout Field Elementary receive a check from the Scientech Foundation for STEM materials. Douglas Sherow and John Rathman from the Foundation are presenting the check

As a public charity, the Scientech Foundation is committed to transparency in how we invest the funds received from our donors and the income from our investments. We will publish our tax returns as they become available.

Letter from Rod Reid & NXG Crew:

Please enjoy reading how your generosity influenced a young man's life.  This was emailed to us by the parent of one of the 2024 NXG Grand Prix Series participants:

"My son was honored to be part of the team last year, and he absolutely loved the experience. Being part of NXG has had such a positive impact on him, both on and off the track.  The program's focus on STEM education, teamwork, and life skills has been invaluable in his personal growth.  As a family, we've witnessed how much he's gained from the mentorship, discipline, and camaraderie that NXG provides, and we are truly grateful for the opportunities you create for young people."

Over the past three years, Scientech Foundation grants allowed the Indianapolis Arts Center to create a Makers Space that enables students/technologists/artists to convert their ideas into physical objects. Equipment purchased includes these 3D Printers (shown), a laser etcher/printer, various software and computers.