Disciplines Converge at STEM Day at the Fair

STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair
Thousands of fairgoers participated in hands-on, interactive STEM activities at STEM Day at the Iowa State Fair on August 18.
STEM education encourages skills, such as problem solving, critical thinking, art and communication to converge, working seamlessly to provide a complete academic foundation that inspires minds and strengthens Iowa’s economic and workforce development. The Iowa State Fair was full of examples of how disciplines converge all around us.
 
On the final day of the Iowa State Fair, STEM was prevalent on the grand concourse. Excitement was widespread as 23 exhibiting partners engaged Iowans with STEM activities. Stage acts from Iowa County Conservation, the Grout Museum, Science Center of Iowa and Blank Park Zoo were held throughout the day providing engaging STEM entertainment. 
 
STEM Day at the Fair offered something for everyone. Fairgoers had the opportunity to complete a STEM checklist to receive a STEM activity to take home. A STEM in Your World social media challenge encouraged social media users to take a photo of disciplines converging at the Fair and post it on social media using the hashtag #STEMinYourWorld to receive a water bottle along with instructions for a water bottle experiment. Anyone who stopped by the STEM tent could take home a drawstring STEM backpack.
 
STEM Council Executive Director Jeff Weld kicked remarks off on the STEM stage. STEM Council Co-Chairs Governor Kim Reynolds and Accumold President and CEO Roger Hargens also spoke and announced the opening of the nomination period for the I.O.W.A. STEM Teacher Award offered by the STEM Council and Kemin Industries. Kemin Industries Senior Scientist Jon Rubach shared information about Kemin’s involvement and how to nominate a teacher for the award.
 
The day was made possible through more than 300 dedicated volunteers and the 2019 STEM Day at the Fair sponsors, including Accumold, Collins Aerospace, ITC Midwest, Kemin, Principal Financial and Vermeer Corporation.
 
Check out our album on the STEM Council Facebook page to view photos from 2019 STEM Day at the Fair.
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