Engineering design challenges, virtual reality testing, gravity experiments, drone demonstrations, herpetology interactions and electricity investigations. These are just a few of the exciting STEM opportunities families can experience at Family STEM Festivals across Iowa. Designed to engage learners of all ages, STEM Festivals offer hands-on, educational activities that highlight local careers and skills. Each exhibit is facilitated by workplace and community partners.
Approximately 40 STEM Festivals take place in all six STEM regions each year and typically engage more than 20,000 Iowans, collectively. Each festival is facilitated by Regional STEM Managers in coordination with each of their Regional STEM Advisory Boards, a committed planning committee and numerous volunteers.
The Earlham Family STEM Festival was one of several Family STEM Festivals held this month. "The Earlham Family STEM Festival has expanded this year to impact even more kids and families in the region. This year's festival brought in over 320 participants to engage with local businesses, industries and community organizations with hands-on STEM activities that highlight not only science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but also the many career opportunities that exist locally in those fields," said Joni Ehm, Southwest Regional STEM Manager.
Upcoming STEM Festivals in April:
- April 1: Boone Family STEM Festival in the North Central STEM Region
- April 1: Guthrie County STEM Fest in the Southwest STEM Region
- April 5: Full “STEAM” Ahead: Graceland University Family STEAM Festival in the South Central and Southwest STEM Region
- April 20: Dubuque Area Family STEM Festival in the Northeast STEM Region
- April 25: MMCRU Survivor STEM Festival in the Northwest STEM Region
More information about exhibiting, volunteering or attending Family STEM Festivals in your STEM Region can be found at www.IowaSTEM.org/regions.