Math/Science/Tech Day
Math/Science/Technology Day is a day for third, fourth, and fifth grade students from all six districts in Mercer County to work on hands-on math, science, or technology activities. The focus for 2018 was bridge building. This was created many years ago by ESC personnel. After a decade-long hiatus, Math/ Science Tech Day was re-instituted for Mercer county students in 2018 and will be held every two years moving forward.
Team Ventures
Team Ventures is a day of critical thinking, creative problem solving, collaboration and communication with teammates, for Mercer County sixth, seventh and eighth grade gifted students. Each district is invited to send approximately 22 students to this day at Wright State University-Lake Campus. This program is a creation of ESC personnel and is held every two years.
MAC Scholastic Bowl
The scholastic league is run through the ESC. The teams compete in 8 matches in September and October, with the culminating event being the JV and Varsity Bowls. The Mercer Savings Bank sponsors the Varsity bowl. The following schools participate in the MAC Scholastic League: Coldwater, Fort Recovery, Marion Local, Minster, New Bremen, New Knoxville, Parkway, St. Henry and Versailles.
STEM ChallengeThe Mercer County STEM Challenge consists of monthly activities for elementary, middle and high school students. The lesson plans and materials are provided by the Mercer County ESC. All teachers in Mercer County are invited to participate, each participating teacher/classroom is asked to post pictures and videos to the Mercer County STEM Twitter page. @MCSTEMChallege #mercerSTEM
STEM Showcase
The STEM Showcase and Live Challenge has become an annual event for schools to display projects and compete in STEM Challenges. The 2017 event was held at St. Henry High School, this year the event will take place on March 12 at Coldwater High School. Teachers and students are invited to bring any STEM related lessons or projects to display for the first hour of the Showcase. The Live Challenge takes place during the second hour, with teams from elementary, middle and high school competing side by side.
Camp InventionDuring Camp Invention children are presented with fun, hands-on challenges that encourage creative problem solving, teamwork, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Camp Invention is led by local teachers using curriculum that is inspired by the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame! The Mercer and Auglaize County ESCs worked together to coordinate and direct Camp Invention last summer. Camp Invention will be held again this year at Minster Elementary School from June 18-22.
First Lego LeagueThe Mercer County ESC helps coordinate funds for local teams. The ESC also helps with the fall scrimmage held at the Honda Engine Plant in Anna. Mercer County participation in First Lego League has grown over the past few years. In 2015 there was just one participating school, we currently support 4 participating districts!