Our STEM festival is back! STEM stands for Science-Technology-Engineering-Math and the library is excited to partner with the South Central (SC) STEM Hub to host an event themed: Let the Sunshine In!
When: Saturday, February 25, 2023 from 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Where: Iowa Department for the Blind (524 4th St., Des Moines)
Who: The festival is open to the public and will serve all children in grades K-12 and their families.
Exhibitors from around the metro area will share expertise in STEM, and all activities will be based on the best practices of Universal Design concepts and materials will be provided in accessible formats (large print and braille). Participants can take part in cooking and wood shop demonstrations highlighting non-visual techniques.
Polk County Conservation will be one of the exhibitors at the STEM Fest.
Polk County Conservation manages over 16,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, woodlands, trails and parks in Polk County. We also offer the public year-round education and recreation programs, volunteer opportunities and trips. Our headquarters are based out of the Jester Park Nature Center which has an annual visitation of 32,000 people. In the coming year we are planning on creating a nature sensory trail next to the nature center with interactive stations designed to engage multiple senses and increase accessibility. PCC would like to provide unique opportunities for nature to be inclusive for everyone, regardless of their ability. We are thankful to our partners on this project, including the Iowa Library for the Blind and Print Disabled. We were excited to participate in the upcoming STEM Festival so that we can increase PCC’s visibility and connection with different audiences. Our hands on activity involves challenging students to build a habitat out of Legos. We’ll discuss the components found in habitats that animals need to survive.
The goal of the event is to communicate that STEM is all-inclusive and that the best ideas come when diverse minds team up to solve problems.
Register to attend at https://scstemhub.drake.edu/festivals/
Attendees who pre-register will receive a free tote bag while supplies last. Walk-ins are welcome, also.
