Robotics, 3D printing, marine sciences, aeronautics, live reptiles and engineering — these are a few of the STEM areas that youth can experience at UMES Extension’s 4-H STEM Festival. The free event takes place Saturday, Oct. 21, as part of the ninth annual Maryland STEM Festival, a monthlong celebration each fall aimed at getting youth interested in STEM through fun interactive learning opportunities in the hopes they will pursue a STEM-related career.
Participants in Grades K-12 can take part in hands-on science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Engineering and Aviation Science Complex at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Educators from UMES departments and programs will be joined by exhibitors from science-related organizations in the area to offer participants a glimpse of the wide range of STEM fields and professions.
“UMES Extension 4-H agents partner with local schools, afterschool programs, parks and camps throughout the year to make STEM come to life for youth ages 6-18,” said Bradley Hartle, a 4-H educator with UMES Extension and coordinator for the event. “The festival allows us the unique opportunity to showcase what our campus and community partners have to offer youth through programs, as well as showing them how they can have a career in STEM.”
No registration is required. For more information, email bhartle@umes.edu or call 410-651-6729.
Gail Stephens, agricultural communications and media associate, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, gcstephens@umes.edu., 410-621-3850.
2022 event photos below, Gail Stephens
