TEMPLE, Texas — The Temple Independent School District will be hosting a district-wide Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) event in observance of National STEM Day next week. The event is called “Discovery Awaits with STEM!” and will be held Tuesday, November 10th, from 5:00-7:00 pm at the TISD Administration Building (401 Santa Fe Way).
The event promises an evening of exploration and discovery and will feature hands-on STEM learning experiences and interactive stations for students and families of all ages. Those stations will feature STEM-related activities and technology, highlighted by Lego Spike, Vex IQ, SAM robotics and engineering, ActiveFloor immersive STEM learning, drones, and the Invention Project by Camp Invention. Other exciting features include Temple ISD’s new immersive planetarium, and other exhibits featuring LEGO Education products. There will also be special partnership activities hosted alongside the Temple Education Foundation (TEF), who helped secure grants for LEGO learning kits at several Temple ISD campuses. The Temple Children’s Museum will also have a station at the event highlighting some of the experiences available at that location. The event is designed to showcase to students and families the wide range of learning opportunities available across the district and to encourage them to make the most of those experiences.
“One of the best things about STEM is seeing kids get excited when they discover something new,” said Melissa Thigpen, digital learning coach for Temple ISD. “That’s what we want families to experience this event. It’s an evening filled with hands-on activities where kids can explore, create, and discover together while getting a glimpse of the STEM opportunities available throughout our district. We hope families leave inspired to keep exploring those interests together, both at home and at school.”
“Our hope for this event is that students and families discover a passion for STEM while experiencing the continuum of learning opportunities available across Temple ISD,” added Ashley Jones, director of digital learning for Temple ISD.
In addition to the previously mentioned activities, each STEM campus in the district will have a table featuring an activity representative of the learning experiences available on that campus. The Bonham Middle School robotics team will also be on site, along with LEGO robotics teams from Thornton Elementary School and Western Hills Elementary School, and Kennedy-Powell Elementary School’s VEX robotics team. Stations will be manned by both staff members and student representatives, and many of those stations will feature make-and-take projects and activities that students can take home with them following the event.
“Our STEM teachers have been doing an amazing job building STEM experiences at their campuses,” said Megan Richards, digital learning coach for Temple ISD. “This event is a celebration of that hard work – it gives us a chance to open our doors, showcase the amazing things happening across the district, and give families a firsthand look at how we’re inspiring the next generation of innovators.”
National STEM Day is celebrated annually on November 8th, but since that is a Sunday, Temple ISD will observe the event on Tuesday, November 10th. The event is free and open to the public and there will also be free light refreshments and snacks available to participants. Attendees are encouraged to park in the parking lot between the TISD Administration Building and Whistle Stop Playground and enter the building through the front doors. The “Discovery Awaits with STEM!” event is part of a week-long, district-wide recognition of STEM that will also feature themed dress-up days at TISD campuses.