The Maryland STEM Festival is an annual event that showcases the exciting and diverse fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the state. The festival, which started on October 15 and will run until November 11, features hundreds of events across Maryland for kids and families to enjoy. From talks and lab tours to exhibits and natural experiences, the festival aims to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals and enthusiasts.
STEM-ertainment: The Theme of the Year
This year’s theme is STEM-ertainment, which highlights the role of STEM in entertainment, especially in esports and video games. According to Phil Rogofsky, the founder and executive director of the festival, the theme was chosen to attract more kids who are interested in gaming and show them how STEM skills are essential for creating and playing games.
Some of the events that focus on STEM-ertainment include:
- Esports Showcase: A live demonstration of competitive gaming by professional esports players and teams, followed by a Q&A session with the audience.
- Game Design Workshop: A hands-on workshop where kids can learn the basics of game design and programming using Scratch, a visual coding platform.
- Virtual Reality Experience: A chance to explore different virtual worlds using VR headsets and controllers, and learn how VR technology works.
- STEM Arcade: A collection of interactive games and activities that demonstrate various STEM concepts and principles, such as physics, logic, math and coding.
More Fun and Educational Events to Explore
In addition to the STEM-ertainment theme, the festival also offers a wide range of events that cover different aspects of STEM, such as:
- Science on a Sphere: A spherical display that shows dynamic images of Earth and other planets, such as weather patterns, climate change, ocean currents and volcanic activity.
- Robotics Expo: A showcase of various robots and robotic systems, such as drones, rovers, humanoid robots and robotic arms, and how they are used in different fields and industries.
- Astronomy Night: A night of stargazing and learning about the wonders of the universe, such as constellations, planets, comets and galaxies.
- Bioengineering Lab Tour: A tour of a bioengineering lab where kids can see how engineers use biology and technology to create new solutions for health and medicine, such as artificial organs, tissue engineering and gene therapy.
- Nature Walk: A guided walk through a natural area where kids can observe and identify different plants and animals, and learn how they adapt to their environment.
How to Join the Festival
The festival is open to everyone who is interested in STEM, regardless of age or background. The events are free or low-cost, and some require registration or reservation. To find out more about the festival, visit its website or follow its [Facebook], [Twitter] or [Instagram] pages. You can also sign up for its [newsletter] to get updates on the latest events and news.
The Maryland STEM Festival is a great opportunity for kids to discover the fun and fascinating world of STEM, and to spark their curiosity and creativity. Don’t miss this chance to bring your kids into the tech world with this year’s Maryland STEM Festival!
