Crowd of 1,000 Attends Gwinnett Tech Science WORKS

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA — More than 1,000 people attended Gwinnett Tech's 4th annual Science WORKS event on Thursday night.

The gathering let learners of all ages experience hands-on learning at dozens of interactive stations across campus.

Students and adults alike gathered to see first-hand how science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics can be powerful launching pads for many exciting educational and career paths.

"By hosting an open house and Science Works, we offer the community a great way to open their eyes to the vast number of possible career paths before them — paths they may have never considered," said Gwinnett Tech President D. Glen Cannon. "Our goal was to invite the community to spend more time on campus and help students see real-world application for lessons in the classroom.

"When people can see concepts come to life through real-world application, their learning becomes relevant and exciting."

Gwinnett Tech departments across all disciplines opened their doors and offered exciting behind- the-scenes, hands-on learning experiences that showcased real-life applications for each area.

Visitors were able to experience a mock surgery, race in a driving simulator, conduct a forensic investigation, find hidden objects via ultrasound, make water boil at room temperature, test stress levels in DNA, build 3D lake cabins, weld without fire, see germs undercover, test their aim in a firearms simulator, create circuits using an ink pen, detect tooth decay with lasers, interact with robots, build a blood clot, explore logistics systems with a model train and much more.

For Matthew Delfunt, a home-schooled student from Gwinnett, the open house could not have come at a better time.

"I’m very interested in diesel mechanics and am excited to have the opportunity to come learn about all of the automotive programs Gwinnett Tech has to offer," he said.

Matthew’s sister graduated from Gwinnett Tech recently with a phlebotomy degree and has a job with the American Red Cross. Matthew’s good friend Casey Sykes came to learn more about taking core college classes at Gwinnett Tech to save money on college tuition.

Julian Starks, a freshman at Peachtree Ridge High School attended with his mom, Ursula Rodriguez, to learn more about courses and career opportunities in education.

"People are always telling me that I have a calming voice and I’m great with children. I wanted to come tonight to learn more about career opportunities that might be open to me in the field of education," Starks said.

Erin Pavik from Norcross High School was excited to get to explore the cosmetology labs, as she has dreams to be a hair stylist. She’s interested in doing dual enrollment next year as part of the college’s Move on When Ready Program.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Tech