Are you looking for summer activities to ignite your child’s curiosity? Your search is over!
STEAM on the Lakeshore is an event designed to introduce children to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) through fun, hands-on activities.
The event will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Lakeshore Robotics Education Center, 2815 Meadow Lane, Manitowoc.
The event offers more than 10 hands-on STEAM activities for children, offered by five local organizations.
In addition, children have the opportunity to drive robots built by middle and high school students.
And the best part? It’s completely free to attend.
Dan Kleinhans, a mentor from illumiBOTi (Lincoln High School) and DeAngelo L., a member of STEAMpunk, observe as attendees create structures to withstand the earthquake table.
STEAM on the Lakeshore is run by FIRST Robotics Team STEAMpunk 4531 as part of their mission to make STEAM more accessible to families. They have worked for 12 years, providing STEAM and robotics opportunities to students in grades K-12. They are a part of the non-profit organization Lakeshore FIRST Robotics, a coalition of more than 50 robotics teams spanning children ages 4-18.
Many local organizations will be collaborating to provide activities at the event, including Lester Public Library, Manitowoc Public Library and the Wisconsin Maritime Museum.
The audience looks on during a FIRST Robotics competition exhibition match at STEAM on the Lakeshore. In photo, Ian Klein (STEAMpunk mentor) and Brady S. (STEAMpunk member).
In addition to these organizations, Einstein Project will have its mobile maker lab at the event.
The activities span an array of subjects — cotton ball launchers to teach students about motion, and marbled cards to let children explore their artistic side.
Members of Bond Brigade (Kiel High School) assist a family with a centrifugal force steam activity.
For each activity completed, children earn a stamp on their STEAM passport, allowing them to enter in a prize drawing. The prizes include science sets and other interactive learning materials.
One of the most exciting features of this event is that older robotics students will have the chance to teach younger kids — an inspiring opportunity for kids to learn from one another.
STEAM on the Lakeshore attendees enjoy interactive activities provided by Lakeshore College.
If your children want to continue engaging their interest in STEAM, we have several robotics programs in Manitowoc County year-round teaching K-12 students. All our robotics programs are completely free and take place after school hours.
Doing STEAM activities, including robotics, has been proven to increase interest in pursuing a STEAM career. According to the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, “78% of young people who regularly do STEM activities with their parent said they were interested in a career in engineering.” You can help them explore new interests and introduce them to the world of STEAM through STEAM on the Lakeshore.
So, if your children love hands-on learning and you want to give them a taste of what a future in STEAM could look like, join us for STEAM on the Lakeshore. Our mission is to help your children succeed, one activity — and one robot — at a time.
Josh W., STEAMpunk member, demonstrates how a balance buddy works.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: STEAM on the Lakeshore ignites curiosity in Manitowoc Aug. 2