High school students recently dove into innovation during the annual STEM Challenge hosted by Vincennes University Jasper Campus (VUJC), an event designed to spark curiosity, collaboration, and critical thinking. Local companies presented real-world challenges, giving students the chance to learn through hands-on experiences and showcase their creativity.

Kimball Electronics Jasper (KEJ) participated by hosting the “Sink or Swim: Pirate Engineering Challenge,” a creative twist on the classic penny boat experiment. This activity introduced students to the principles of buoyancy and Archimedes’ principle, demonstrating how displaced water determines whether an object floats or sinks. The challenge was to design and build a boat using simple materials that could hold the maximum number of pennies without sinking.

As students tested their designs, they explored the delicate balance between weight distribution, surface area, and water displacement. It wasn’t just about building a boat—it was about applying physics and engineering concepts in a fun, competitive environment.

Representing KEJ were Josh Moya, Jay Matthews, Brandon Roettger, Trevor Church, and Tesla Burger, who guided participants through the experiment and shared insights into how these principles apply in real-world engineering. Their enthusiasm and expertise made the challenge both educational and exciting.

Events like this underscore the importance of STEM education and the value of partnerships between schools and local businesses. By engaging students in hands-on learning, KEJ and other companies are helping inspire the next generation of innovators.

Looking ahead, KEJ plans to participate in the Spring 2026 STEM Challenge hosted by Oakland City University, continuing its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and empowering future leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.