STEM-ology Provides Entomology Activities for All Ages This Month

STEM-ology, a monthly series of themed science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) events for all ages, resumes 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 first of the spring semester, will have a theme of entomology 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 fall, STEM-ology drew more than 304 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 February schedule is:

-- Tuesday, Feb. 17, 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. Toddlers will enjoy a short, interactive insect story; a hands-on observation of real and preserved bugs; and a playful build-your-own insect activity. Through counting, exploring and creating, children will discover the key trait that makes an insect an insect: six legs. To RSVP, go here.

-- Friday, Feb. 20, 10-11 a.m.: Senior Science Fridays offer a fun and engaging way for older adults to explore the wonders of science. Seniors will be engaging in a “Bee the Scientist” activity. Participants can expect an engaging, hands-on STEM experience that blends real-world science with meaningful action. This session will explore Wyoming pollinators through interactive discussion of bees, followed by creative, tactile activities, including Wyoming wildflower seed bombs, bee house making and weather station creation. This activity is designed to be welcoming, practical and fun, empowering participants to contribute to science in their own communities. Following the program, interested individuals also can receive an optional tour of The Dillon Lab at UW to discover how researchers study bees in the lab. To RSVP, go here.

-- Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m.-noon.: STEM Saturday is a family-oriented event to engage in all things that involve bugs, or entomology. In this two-hour session, participants will hear about entomology research happening at UW and receive the opportunity to rotate through three different entomology themed hands-on activities. Options will include forensic entomology, insect development, insect orders, pollinators, a playful toddler-based bug activity and a great youth activity in bug adaptations. Participants also can learn about how they can be involved in helping entomology research with an activity on insect photography and citizen science.

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/.