STEM-ology Focuses on Space-ology for All Ages at UW During May

STEM-ology, a monthly series of themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events for all ages, concludes in May at the University of Wyoming, with events including Toddler Tuesdays, Senior Science Fridays and fun-filled family Science Saturdays.

Next month’s events will have a space-ology theme and will take place in the STEM Sandbox on the fourth floor of the Science Initiative Building, located on the corner of Ninth and Bradley streets.

“We are bringing STEM to life with engaging, hands-on experiences for all ages. Programs are designed to spark curiosity, inspire creativity and make science, technology, engineering and math fun and interactive,” says Ashleigh Pilkerton, community engagement and undergraduate research programming coordinator for UW Science Initiative programs. “STEM-ology activities are a collaborative effort among many groups on the University of Wyoming campus, including the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium Science Kitchen and Science Initiative Roadshow.”

The May schedule is:

-- Tuesday, May 6, 10-10:30 a.m. or 10:30-11 a.m.: Toddler Tuesdays allow children to explore the world through hands-on activities and sensory play. “Tiny Astronauts: Blast Off into Space!” will allow little explorers to build and launch their own rockets; learn about planets and stars; and zoom through outer space with songs, stories and hands-on play. This month’s mission is to inspire curiosity and cosmic giggles through sensory fun and early STEM discovery. To RSVP, go here.

-- Friday, May 9, 10-11 a.m.: Senior Science Fridays offer a fun and engaging way for older adults to explore the wonders of science. “Exploring the Final Frontier: Stars, Spectra and Rockets.” Journey through the cosmos as the science behind starlight is uncovered. Attendees will learn how astronomers used celestial spectrography to decode the universe before building their own star wheels and testing them out in the planetarium. Seniors will wrap up their experience with a hands-on rocket launch because they are never too old to reach for the stars. To RSVP, go here.

-- Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m.-noon.: Science Saturday is a fun-filled family day designed for all ages. Families can blast off into a galaxy of hands-on space science. Participants will watch a high-altitude balloon launch; track sunspots with a solar observation station; explore the scale of the solar system; build and launch straw rockets; and experience a live planetarium show. From the sun to Saturn, attendees can discover the wonders of space in this out-of-this-world family adventure. An RSVP is not required, but families are asked to arrive in time for check-in from 10-10:15 a.m.

-- School and Youth programs: The STEM Sandbox invites teachers and their students to experience hands-on STEM activities on UW’s campus. Designed for learners from pre-K-12, the STEM Sandbox provides a unique opportunity to engage with real-world applications of science that connect directly to the areas shaping Wyoming’s future. This interactive space encourages creativity, problem-solving and collaboration, offering students a chance to explore the science that drives Wyoming’s economy and future innovations. The programs spark curiosity and creativity, making science, technology, engineering and math fun and interactive while meeting state standards.

School and youth programs can schedule a time to visit campus to engage with activities related to the monthly theme.

For more information, email Pilkerton at STEMSandbox@uwyo.edu or go to www.wyomingspacegrant.org/stem-ology/.