A free event on March 4 will promote science, technology, engineering and math to the community.
EXPO Day at Petco Park in San Diego features hands-on exhibits and activities to kick off a week of STEM activities throughout the area.
STEM subjects push students to contribute to their communities and the world, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
“In a world that’s becoming increasingly complex, where success is driven not only by what you know, but by what you can do with what you know, it’s more important than ever for our youth to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to solve tough problems, gather and evaluate evidence, and make sense of information,” the USDE says on its website. “These are the types of skills that students learn by studying science, technology, engineering, and math — subjects collectively known as STEM.”
EXPO Day is part of the Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering that has a mission to encourage kids in the four subjects while working with their teachers and parents to do the same.
“We are inspiring students to become the next generation of innovators,” says Sara Pagano, managing director, Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering, San Diego. “We want to light a spark inside that illustrates to every child that the possibilities within their education and their futures are endless.”
The schedule for the day is packed with educational and entertaining options, such as a TEDx event for kids, at which student speakers will share their ideas, showing off public speaking and leadership skills.
“TEDxYouth events are fun, imaginative, and smart TEDx events designed for, and often organized by, young people,” according to ted.com. “They bring ideas worth spreading to all ages.”
There will also be Fireside Chats, which are mini versions of TED Talks. Industry professionals will hold 10-15 minute discussions around fire pits about their careers and what made them want to be involved in science, technology, engineering or math. After each chat, the audience can participate in a Q&A session.
Throughout the day, hands-on science activities will focus on entomology, oceanography, animals or robotics. During the various opportunities, students will, for example, be introduced to marine plants, learn about hibernation or have the chance to build a robot.
EXPO Day isn’t just for older kids. Bring the little ones to a zone for children younger than 5. It's designed to inspire potential young scientists to love the subjects presented in activities related to science, technology, engineering, art and math.
In all, the day will feature “more than 130 local businesses, corporations and organizations providing interactive, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math exhibits and activities to budding K-12 science lovers,” according to the festival website.
EXPO Day kicks off the Biocom Institute Festival of Science & Engineering, San Diego that runs until March 12, with more than 60 programs and events throughout San Diego County. The ninth annual science festival is presented by the Illumina Foundation.
For details about EXPO Day, the festival and how you can participate, visit lovestemsd.org.
