On average, American 8-to-12-year-olds spend 4 hours and 44 minutes on screen media each day. That’s according to a 2019 survey by Common Sense Media, a nonprofit that tracks young people’s tech habits.
Devon Parham, a 10 year old 5th grade student at Conrad Weiser Middle School, is not your average 8-to-12-year. Devon has been enrolled in the Gifted Education program since first grade. He also plays football, soccer, wrestling, basketball, and is in the Future Farmers of America Club.
Devon is one of over 4,200 participants recently accepted into the Purdue Space Day. The 25th annual Purdue Space Day, an event that allows children the opportunity to learn about space in a fun and engaging environment, goes virtual Oct. 24.
Below: Devon Parham, 5th grade student at Conrad Weiser Middle School, displays his list of activities planned for Purdue Space Day 2020.
Purdue Space Day began 24 years ago, in November 1996, with around 120 grade school students participating and 40 Purdue students who ran the program. The event allows children the opportunity to learn about STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) in a fun and engaging environment. The participants are divided into three age groups: grades 3-4, grades 5-6 and grades 7-8. Former astronauts Mark Brown, Jerry Ross, Charlie Walker and José M. Hernández, will be the Space Day guests.
Devon already plans on entering the Conrad Weiser Science Research Institute which challenges the district’s high school students to explore their ideas and delve into high-level science projects. He plans to major in Electrical or Aerospace Engineering.
