STEM-ology Provides Physics Activities for All Ages This Month

STEM-ology, a monthly series of themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events for all ages, continues this month at the University of Wyoming, with events including Toddler Tuesdays, Senior Science Fridays and fun-filled family STEM Saturdays.

STEM-ology highlights cross-program collaborations and high-impact learning experiences through free public activities via the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium Science Kitchen, the Science Initiative Roadshow and other UW groups.

This month's events, the second of the spring semester, will have a theme of physics and will take place in the STEM Sandbox, located on the fourth floor of the Science Initiative Building, located at the corner of Ninth and Bradley streets.

Last fall, STEM-ology drew more than 304 participants from the local community and neighboring states, says Karagh Brummond, director of the UW Top-Tier Science Initiative Engagement and Outreach Program.

"We are bringing STEM to life with engaging, hands-on experiences for all ages. Programs are designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity and make science, technology, engineering and math fun and interactive," Brummond says.

The March schedule is:

-- Tuesday, March 24, 10-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-11 a.m.: Toddler Tuesdays allow children to explore the world through hands-on activities and sensory play. Toddlers will explore the exciting world of pushes and pulls through playful experiments using Hot Wheels cars and simple ramps. Children will predict how objects will move, test their ideas, and observe how the strength and direction of a push or pull changes motion. Through rolling, sliding and experimenting, young scientists will begin to discover how forces make things move. To RSVP, go here.

-- Friday, March 27, 10-11 a.m.: Senior Science Fridays offer a fun and engaging way for older adults to explore the wonders of science. Seniors will explore the fascinating world of electricity and electromagnetism through a series of engaging hands-on activities. Participants will build simple circuits using conductive materials to see how electricity flows, lights LEDs and powers small devices. The session also may include creating a simple motor and exploring how magnets and electric currents work together to create motion. Through guided experimentation and discussion, participants will gain insight into the physics principles that power many everyday technologies. To RSVP, go here or call (307) 766-4186.

-- Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m.-noon: STEM Saturday is a fun-filled family day designed for all ages. Participants will begin by listening to a short presentation from Danny Dale, the Carrell Family Interim Dean of UW's College of Engineering and Physical Sciences, and the Harry C. Vaughan Professor of Astronomy. Dale will share a few exciting discoveries from the James Webb Space Telescope and how this powerful tool uses physics to study the universe.

Following the talk, families will rotate through a variety of hands-on physics exploration stations. Activities may include building marble roller coasters; experimenting with electric circuits; exploring pushes and pulls with motion activities; testing the Bernoulli principle; launching straw rockets; investigating light refraction; and experiencing other engaging physics demonstrations. These activities are designed to be playful, interactive and accessible for learners of all ages.

An RSVP is not required for STEM Saturday, but families are asked to arrive in time for check-in from 10-10:15 a.m.

For more information, email Brummond at [email protected] or go to https://www.wyomingspacegrant.org/stem-ology/.