The City of Idaho Falls and community partners throughout the area are teaming up to celebrate the world of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) as part of Engineers Week with multiple events and activities for area children and families.
Multiple events throughout week will introduce area schoolchildren of all ages to various aspects of the wonders of STEM education and engineering. While some events are scheduled for specific school classes, others are available to the public and open for families.
“Engineers Week is a perfect way for youth of all ages to learn about the opportunities available to them in all kinds of amazing STEM fields,” said Bud Cranor, City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer, and former member of the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying. “Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields, so this is great chance for young women, in particular, to find out what exciting opportunities are open to them.”
Activities begin on Tuesday, February 18 at 10:30 a.m. as the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy, School District 91 and the American Nuclear Society, Center for Nuclear Science and Technology Information join area dignitaries at Compass Academy for the premiere of “Navigating Nuclear,” a virtual field trip highlighting INL and produced by the Discovery Channel.
On Thursday, February 20 at 10:30 a.m. area 6th graders will travel to the Colonial Theater in downtown Idaho Falls for a viewing of the national engineering big-screen film, “Dream Big.” The event will also include a panel discussion with area engineers and scientists.
The Center for Advanced Energy Studies and the Innovations Laboratory will also again host the “My Amazing Future” event on Friday 21 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is designed to give middle school aged young women the opportunity to interact with researchers, engineers and scientists at INL. The event is designed to help introduce young women to future potential careers in STEM fields.
While events during the week are targeted to specific classes of area schools, on Saturday, February 22, there are two events open to the public.
At 10 a.m. the Idaho Section of the American Nuclear Society is hosting the movie “Pandora’s Promise” at the ARTitorium on Broadway. That event is for area high school students and their families and is free of charge, but seating is limited. Students and families interested in attending should register online at www.ansidaho.org.
The Museum of Idaho is also hosting events for school aged youth and families all afternoon on Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum will have hands-on events and activities throughout the museum and participation is free with registration at www.museumofidaoh.org.
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Media Note: For more information or to schedule an interview with city staff, please contact City of Idaho Falls Public Information Officer Bud Cranor at 208-612-8306.