Free STEM Day for Middle Schoolers October 2
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Free STEM Day Connects Middle School Students with Hands-On Learning and Careers
State College, Pa. – Discovery Space is expanding the impact of Maker Faire Happy Valley by launching a dedicated STEM Day for Schools on Friday, October 2, at the State College YMCA.
In partnership with Kid Tech, Inc., the event, which will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., will provide middle school students with an opportunity to explore hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities, meet professionals working in STEM fields, and discover how creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving can lead to exciting futures.
Participation is free for schools, homeschool groups, and organized learning cohorts, thanks to generous support from the AAUW State College branch and the Hamer Foundation. Advance registration is required because space is limited.
“Maker Faire Happy Valley is about inspiring curiosity and celebrating creativity,” said Michele Crowl, executive director of Discovery Space. “STEM Day allows us to bring that same energy directly to students during the school day, in case they can’t make it to the weekend event.”
Throughout their two-hour visit, students will rotate among dozens of interactive experiences presented by educators, makers, businesses, colleges and universities, nonprofits, researchers, and industry professionals from across the region. Participants will have the opportunity to build, experiment, create, and ask questions while discovering the many different pathways that lead to interesting, life sustaining careers.
“STEM Day for Schools is a unique opportunity for Central PA middle schoolers. Our goal is to have the students leave the event with new and broader ideas of what a STEM career can be,” said Liz Kisenwether, President of Kid Tech, Inc.
For some students, this experience may be the first time they:
• Meet STEM professionals who share similar backgrounds and experiences
• Use tools, technologies, and materials they have previously encountered only in books or online
• Discover that STEM careers can be creative, collaborative, and accessible
• Recognize that the skills they already possess can lead to future opportunities
The event schedule is designed to accommodate groups traveling from varying distances:
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.: Local schools near the YMCA State College
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Schools traveling from farther distances
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.: Homeschool groups and other educational cohorts
Participation is organized in two-hour sessions to ensure that students have ample time and space to fully engage with the activities.
STEM Day for Schools reflects the collaborative spirit of Maker Faire Happy Valley, happening October 3 and 4 at Axemann Brewery. Organizations from throughout the region are joining together to create a single destination where students can experience the breadth of educational, professional, and career opportunities available in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
School districts, homeschool organizations, and other educational groups interested in attending with middle schoolers should email STEMDay@discoveryspace.org. Space is limited.
See https://happyvalley.makerfaire.com for full weekend event information.
# # #
About Discovery Space
Discovery Space is a nonprofit science center and makerspace in State College, PA, dedicated to inspiring curiosity and creativity in learners of all ages. Through interactive exhibits, STEM programs, and hands-on learning experiences, Discovery Space empowers children, families, and the community to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in engaging and meaningful ways. Learn more at www.DiscoverySpace.org and TheRivet.org.
About Kid Tech, Inc.
Kid Tech, Inc. is a nonprofit STEM outreach organization in State College, PA, focused on providing “build-it / test-it” kits for youth to learn math and physics basics, be problem solvers, and have some fun on the side. Learn more at kid-tech.org and https://www.facebook.com/KidTechCentreCounty
About Maker Faire Happy Valley
Maker Faire Happy Valley is a celebration of creativity, innovation, science, engineering, art, and entrepreneurship that brings together makers, artists, educators, scientists, students, and community members from throughout the region. The main event occurs Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and 4 at Axemann Brewery and Titan Hollow. The event is FREE thanks to support from the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and Confer’s Jewelers and is great for adults with or without children. See https://happyvalley.makerfaire.com for full event information.
