By Alyssa Ramsfield
Changes in technology are happening around us every day. Whether you are aware of it or not, we are all a part of these transformations. To get up close and personal with this revolution bring the family to the annual STEM Fair on Saturday, May 3.
Over 15 years ago, the City of Lacey created the Alternative Energy Fair. What started as an event to display futuristic technology has shifted to a community showcase of the strides we are making in technology. This includes local businesses, schools, and private organizations. With the change of focus came the change of the name to the STEM Fair.
STEM is an educational focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. This foundation is leading to changes across the school districts of Thurston County. North Thurston Public Schools has partnered with the City of Lacey to host the event. The school district will be displaying their successful robotics program at the middle and high school levels created around the STEM focus.
Local groups, schools, businesses, and engineering firms participate in the event. This means your family can have a hands-on experience with technology. “There are a variety of science and technology activities going on,” explains Lacey Parks & Recreation Supervisor, Jeannette Sieler. “One of the great options for families will be to build their own playground equipment based on STEM ideas. Once they have built their creation, they will be able to take it home!”
Along with the building, there will be plenty of engagement for the whole family. Rubix Cube solving competitions, Grand Prix electric car races, a solar powered duck dash, and a rocket launch station where families can create and launch their own rockets are just a few of the many experiences available at the fair.
The STEM Fair also offers a display of local work done in the community. “Local robotics teams will be doing demonstrations,” describes Sieler. “Participants of the fair will have a chance to watch, learn about how they were built, and actually use some of the robots brought to the fair.”
“We hope that families will attend for a few reasons,” states Sieler. “We hope that students will get excited about the STEM focused jobs that are available to them in the near future. We also hope that they will see all of the amazing opportunities that are accessible right now through their schools or other local programs.”
To help create change in our community, join in on the scientific free, fun happening at this year’s STEM Fair on Saturday, May 3.
STEM Fair
Saturday, May 3rd
Huntamer Park
618 Woodland Sq Lp SE
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
