ROCHESTER, Ill. (WAND) - The 8th Annual Central Illinois STEM Fair is being hosted by Rochester Schools.
The event is scheduled for Wednesday, April 9, from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM.
It will include hands-on learning, interactive exhibits, and cutting-edge technology for the over 1,000 students, families, teachers, school administrators, and community members expected to attend.
The event is free and will showcase the latest innovations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while providing opportunities to engage with local experts, educators, and industry professionals.
"We’re proud to continue hosting this outstanding event,” said Rochester Acting Superintendent Suzanne Keller. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, explore new experiences, and support our students. Learning is for all ages, and this event makes it fun and engaging for everyone.”
Featured Exhibits Include:
- Area schools showcasing their STEM programs from the Ball-Chatham, Taylorville, Rochester, Pana, Lincoln, Pleasant Plains and Springfield school districts
- Colleges showcasing STEM research including the University of Illinois, University of Wisconsin, University of Illinois Springfield, Millikin, and Illinois College - Covering agriculture, biology, environmental science, STEM teacher preparation, chemistry, geography, and the latest in quantum technology.
- Military technology exhibits from the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Wing and the Civil Air Patrol – Explore military aviation, technology and STEM career pathways.
- Aeronautics and Aviation exhibits featuring Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) AeroEducate & Young Eagles, Lincoln Land Community College’s Aviation Program, and a live drone exhibit from Illinois Multirotors
- State institutions such as the Illinois State Museum, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library Museum, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
- Robot programs for students of all ages from Rochester, Springfield, Pana, Pleasant Plains, and Lincoln as well as RoboThink out of Bloomington
- Health exhibits from SIU School of Medicine, Memorial Health, Springfield Clinic, ImpactLife Blood Services, and PhysioTherapy Professionals
- STEM resources for schools from Illinois Digital Educators Alliance, Illinois Junior Academy of Science, Illinois Science Olympiad, and the Learning Technology Center of Illinois - Teachers and school administrators can learn more about the offerings from these programs.
“The Central Illinois STEM Fair is a fantastic way to spark curiosity and inspire students of all ages,” said Sheril Flynn, Central Illinois STEM Fair Co-chair. “With a diverse range of exhibits, from aviation and robotics to healthcare and environmental science, there’s something for everyone.”
“The opportunity benefits schools throughout the area by promoting new innovations in STEM,” said Kent Froebe, Superintendent for Lincoln Elementary School District 27, which is exhibiting for the fourth time. “Students enjoy being able to showcase their projects to an interested audience, and the feedback from our students who have participated has led to greater interest in this area.”
“We recognize that science and technology are vital to our futures,” said Brent Todd, Dean of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Lincoln Land Community College. "LLCC has a responsibility to interest students of all ages in STEM fields. The Central Illinois STEM Fair is one way that we reach and advance the world’s future scientists and engineers.”
The event is open to the public.
Attendees are encouraged to register for their free tickets at centralillinoisstemfair.eventbrite.com.
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