Hands-On Learning Running Full-STEAM Ahead at Penn State Behrend

MKleck Photography

Get the kids out of the house and into some science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics at Penn State Behrend's ninth annual STEAM fair, taking place at their Junker Center.

MONDAY, FEB. 26

"Research shows that kids will actually make a decision in around second grade whether or not they like math and science," says Melanie Ford, director of youth education outreach at Penn State Behrend. "Being able to engage kids with something hands-on is so much better than telling or lecturing … the interactions are going to spark joy or interest." Ford adds.

Ford, who is also a faculty member in computer science and software engineering, is coordinating the ninth annual STEAM Fair at Behrend's Junker Center, which will bring together local organizations and businesses, each of which will present an activity geared towards kids of all ages. This year over 70 businesses or organizations have already signed up to participate.

According to the Institute for Arts Integration and STEAM, STEAM Education is "an approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking."

Each organization or business that registers for a table at the fair will bring an activity of their choosing — there is always a wide variety. The event will also include some Penn State student groups. The activities available to attendees range in theme and have, in the past, included examples such as nursing students explaining heart and lung function, dental offices showing how to make toothpaste, chemistry principles demonstrated through various experiments, a blow-up planetarium where kids can go in and make their own celestial show, civil air patrol, robotics teams, and more.

The main sponsors of this year's fair are WQLN and Wabtec, who will also each have a prepared activity. "It's hard to say what will be new this year but I will tell you that it's always engaging," says Ford. "We see a lot of families, certainly, but we also see tons of scout groups and troops, so it's a convenient way for groups to get kids in front of this kind of material," Robb Frederick, office of strategic communications at Behrend, adds.

Ford says her favorite thing about the event is "seeing kids light up and get excited when they get to walk around and see what's going on. It's a nice relaxing, fun evening for the whole family."

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. // Junker Center, Penn State Behrend, 5103 Station Rd. // All ages // Free // For more info visit: behrend.psu.edu