STEM-ology Provides Controlled Environment Agriculture Activities for All Ages This Month

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

STEM-ology highlights cross-program collaborations and high-impact learning experiences through free public activities via the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium Science Kitchen, the Science Initiative Roadshow and other UW groups. 

This month’s events, the last on the fall schedule, will have a theme of controlled environment agriculture and will take place in the STEM Sandbox, located on the fourth floor of the Science Initiative Building, located at the corner of Ninth and Bradley streets.

Last spring, STEM-ology drew more than 370 participants from the local community and neighboring states, says Karagh Brummond, director of the UW Top-Tier Science Initiative Engagement and Outreach Program.

“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,” Brummond says.

The November schedule is:

-- Tuesday, Nov. 18, 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. The session will start with an interactive read-aloud of the book “A Seed Grows” by Antoinette Portis. Participants will then place felt pieces of a sunflower plant into the correct position based on the “I do, you do” teaching method. The session will wrap up with participants taking home a sunflower seedling to care for. To RSVP, go here.

-- Friday, Nov. 21, 10-11 a.m.: Senior Science Fridays offer a fun and engaging way for older adults to explore the wonders of science. The session will start with a guided tour of the Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility before transitioning to learning about controlled environment agriculture and hydroponic systems. The session will finish with participants making and planting their own deep water culture cups to take home. To RSVP, go here.

-- Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-noon.: Science Saturday is a fun-filled family day designed for all ages. Families will get to explore five activities, including:

Growing seeds, Room 4003: Participants will learn how a seed grows through story and felt sunflowers, and then take home a sunflower seedling to care for.

Hydroponic cups, Room 4004: Get your hands wet by creating a hydroponic kit with a variety of cups.

Controlled environment agriculture and microgreens, Room 4030: Dive into how controlled environment agriculture is involved in the growing of five different microgreens. Participants will be able to taste five different varieties of microgreens.

Journey through a salad, Room 2010: Discover where our food comes from and how it is transported to the store. Participants may enjoy a salad composed of lettuce, other leafy greens, carrots, cherry tomatoes and cucumbers.

Plant Growth and Phenotyping Facility tour: Take a guided tour of the state-of-the-art rooftop growing facility. Families are asked to meet by the elevators on the fourth floor.

An RSVP is not required for Science Saturday, but families are asked to arrive in time for check-in from 10-10:15 a.m.

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