Aspiring young scientists can explore hands-on activities and get a look inside UMES’ new 4-H STEM Mobile Lab on Oct. 18 during the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s 4-H STEM Expo.
The family-friendly event is free and geared toward youth ages 5-18. Interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics demonstrations, and exhibits will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Engineering and Aviation Sciences Complex at the university in Princess Anne, Maryland. Hosted by UMES Extension, the 4-H STEM Expo is part of the 11th Maryland STEM Festival held each fall to inspire youth to pursue science-related careers and help fuel the state’s efforts to grow STEM businesses.
“UMES Extension works with schools, after-school programs, parks and camps throughout the year to make science come to life for area youth,” said Brad Hartle, UMES Extension 4-H STEM educator and coordinator for the event. “The expo allows us to share educational opportunities and programs that our campus and community partners have to offer. This year is special as we are debuting our new 4-H STEM Mobile lab that will be heading to area youth with a flexible curriculum at their schools and communities.”
Also new to the STEM Expo this year, the National Aquarium Stranding Response Center will exhibit tools used for seal and sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation work, Hartle said. The Pocomoke State Park returns to the event with animal ambassadors for youth to interact with in addition to exhibits from other area organizations. Along with other UMES groups, the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions will show how medications dissolve and are absorbed through a gummy bear pharmacokinetics experiment and offer a potions interactive game. After being shown pictures and descriptions, students guess if a substance is safe and could be used in medicine or is dangerous.
Just drop in to join the fun. For more information, email bhartle@umes.edu.
Above, Erica Hickerson of Salisbury helps her son, Zakai, 2, complete an electric circuit to light a bulb during the UMES Extension 4-H STEM event Oct. 19, 2024 on the University of Maryland Eastern Shore campus.
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.
Photos by Todd Dudek, agricultural communications, University of Maryland Eastern Shore, School of Agricultural and Natural Sciences, UMES Extension, tdudek@umes.edu
