In 71 North, NIU Huskieverse students will demonstrate various applications of Virtual Reality simulations they’ve developed as class projects. (Photo provided by Northern Illinois University )
Northern Illinois University will host its 17th annual STEM Fest featuring hands-on learning.
STEM Fest will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 19 at the NIU Holmes Student Center, Swen Parson Hall, MLK Commons and Founders Memorial Library in DeKalb.
Attendees can view hands-on chemistry experiments, drive robots, build electrical circuits and experiment with lasers and lights. A Tot Spot will be available for toddlers through early elementary children to play with blocks of various materials and sizes.
The festival also includes a Prairie Research Institute Traveling Science Center. The mobile science center features state of Illinois research and environmental science. STEM Fest’s annual weather balloon launch will begin at 11 a.m. Participants can watch the balloon launch, learn about weather balloon history and components and how teams gather real-time data.
A Make It Make Sense Science Showdown is set for 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. at the Holmes Student Center’s Oasis Stage. Attendees can participate in an interactive game show featuring science facts and answers from scientists. Participants also will be able to practice soldering, learn about electrical circuits and create a light-up pin during a Build-A-Blinkie event.
The festival’s “Haunted Physics Lab” features hands-on light, phosphorescence and laser activities. West Side Children’s Therapy also will offer a Quiet Zone with sensory-friendly activities.
For information, visit go.niu.edu/stemfest