Family STEM Night
- What
- Family STEM Night
- When
- 12/15/2025, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Join us for an exciting evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics activities designed for students and families. STEM Night transforms our campus into an interactive science festival where learning is fun for all ages.
**Event Details:**
- **Who:** All students K-12 with families welcome
- **Cost:** FREE admission
- **Registration:** Optional pre-registration recommended (walk-ins welcome)
- **Coordinator:** STEM Director Dr. Patricia Lee
## Interactive Activity Stations (25+ stations)
**Science Experiments:**
- **Slime Lab** - Create take-home slime exploring polymers
- **Elephant Toothpaste** - Dramatic chemical reaction demonstration
- **Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream** - Watch instant freezing, taste results
- **Static Electricity** - Van de Graaff generator, balloon experiments
- **Color Changing Chemistry** - PH indicators and acid-base reactions
- **Forensic Science** - Fingerprint analysis, crime scene investigation
- **Dissection Station** - Examine specimens under microscopes (optional participation)
**Technology & Engineering:**
- **Robotics Demonstrations** - Phoenix Robotics Team shows competition robot
- **3D Printing** - Watch 3D printers create objects, design simple items
- **Coding Activities** - Introduction to programming with Scratch, Hour of Code challenges
- **Virtual Reality Experience** - Try VR headsets, explore virtual worlds
- **Engineering Challenges** - Build bridges from popsicle sticks, test strength
- **Rube Goldberg Machines** - Design and build chain reaction devices
- **Circuit Building** - Create simple circuits with LEDs and buzzers
**Mathematics Activities:**
- **Math Puzzles and Games** - Logic puzzles, pattern recognition, strategy games
- **Geometry Art** - Create geometric designs and fractals
- **Probability Games** - Explore chance through dice, cards, simulations
- **Measurement Scavenger Hunt** - Find and measure objects throughout campus
- **Math Magic Tricks** - Number tricks explained through mathematics
**Astronomy & Space:**
- **Telescope Viewing** - Observe moon, planets (weather permitting)
- **Planetarium Show** - Inflatable planetarium with star presentations
- **Rocket Launches** - Build and launch paper rockets
- **Mars Rover Challenge** - Navigate obstacle course with remote-control rovers
**Biology & Environmental Science:**
- **Owl Pellet Dissection** - Discover what owls eat
- **Garden Exploration** - Campus garden tour, plant identification
- **Insect Investigation** - Examine live insects, learn about ecosystems
- **Water Quality Testing** - Test local water samples
**Physics Demonstrations:**
- **Liquid Nitrogen Show** - Freeze flowers, shrink balloons (7:00 PM main stage)
- **Electricity Demo** - Tesla coil, plasma ball, Jacob's ladder
- **Simple Machines** - Explore levers, pulleys, inclined planes
- **Newton's Laws** - Demonstrations of motion and forces
## Special Presentations
**Main Auditorium Schedule:**
- **6:15 PM** - Welcome from Principal Dr. Richardson
- **6:30 PM** - "Spectacular Science Show" - Interactive demonstrations by Science teachers
- **7:00 PM** - Liquid Nitrogen Demonstration - Dr. Michael Torres
- **7:30 PM** - Robotics Team Performance - Competition robot demonstration
- **8:00 PM** - "Explosive Chemistry" - Safe chemical reaction demos
## Professional Demonstrations
**Guest Presenters:**
- **Engineers from TechCorp** - Demonstrate real-world engineering projects
- **University Research Scientists** - Share current research, career paths
- **Medical Professionals** - Healthcare technology, human body exploration
- **Environmental Scientists** - Climate science, conservation technology
## Food and Refreshments
- Pizza available for purchase ($2/slice)
- Hot dogs, chips, drinks ($1-$3)
- Bake sale by Parent Association
- Proceeds support STEM programs
Food served in cafeteria throughout evening.
## Student Volunteers
80 student volunteers from grades 7-12 staff activity stations:
- Explain scientific concepts
- Assist with experiments
- Guide younger students
- Share STEM enthusiasm
Volunteer hours count toward community service requirements.
## Campus Map
Maps available at entrance showing:
- Activity station locations
- Presentation times and locations
- Food services
- Restrooms
- First aid station
Color-coded by subject (blue=science, green=technology, yellow=engineering, red=mathematics).
## Parking and Arrival
- **Parking:** Main lot and athletic field overflow
- **Drop-off:** Main entrance circle
- **Arrival:** Come anytime between 6:00-8:00 PM
- **Duration:** Most families spend 1.5-2 hours
## What to Bring
- Curiosity and enthusiasm!
- Camera for photos
- Notebook for favorite experiments (optional)
- Comfortable shoes for walking
- Bag for take-home items
## What to Expect
- **Hands-on activities** - Most stations allow participation
- **Take-home items** - Slime, rockets, circuit projects
- **Crowds** - Popular stations may have short waits (typically less than 10 minutes)
- **All ages welcome** - Activities for preschool through adult
- **Learning through play** - Emphasis on fun exploration
## Safety
- All activities supervised by faculty/volunteers
- Safety equipment provided where needed (goggles, gloves)
- First aid station staffed by School Nurse Ms. Barbara Wright
- Adult supervision required for young children
- Some activities have age recommendations
## Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible throughout campus
- Sensory-friendly quiet room available
- Accommodations for students with special needs
- ASL interpreter available upon advance request
- Large-print maps available
## Photo Opportunities
- Photo booth with STEM props
- Interactive displays perfect for photos
- Share on social media with #HamiltonPrepSTEM
- Professional photographer capturing event
## Educational Benefits
STEM Night promotes:
- Hands-on science learning
- Family engagement in education
- STEM career awareness
- Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Curiosity and wonder about natural world
- Connections between subjects
Studies show family science engagement increases student interest in STEM fields and academic achievement.
## Community Partnerships
STEM Night made possible through partnerships with:
- **TechCorp Software** - Engineering demos, volunteers, $5,000 sponsorship
- **State University** - Scientists present research, equipment loan
- **Regional Hospital** - Healthcare technology demonstrations
- **Green Energy Solutions** - Renewable energy exhibits
- **Parent Association** - Volunteers, food services, setup/cleanup
## Previous Years
- Attendance: 600+ families annually
- Student feedback: 95% say STEM Night increased interest in science
- Parent feedback: "Best school event of the year!"
- Growing annually since 2015
## Follow-Up
After STEM Night:
- Photos posted on school website
- Activity instructions shared for home experiments
- STEM club information for interested students
- Summer STEM camp information
## Join STEM Clubs
Students inspired by STEM Night can join:
- **Science Olympiad** - Competitions in science topics
- **Robotics Club** - Build and compete with robots
- **Coding Club** - Learn programming
- **Math Team** - Mathematical problem-solving
- **Environmental Club** - Conservation projects
- **Science Fair** - Independent research projects
## Volunteer Opportunities
Help make STEM Night possible:
- Activity station volunteers (setup, supervise, cleanup)
- Food service helpers
- Setup crew (Thursday afternoon)
- Cleanup crew (8:30 PM)
Contact Dr. Patricia Lee to volunteer. Community service hours available for student volunteers.
## Questions
For questions about STEM Night:
Dr. Patricia Lee, STEM Director
Or Ms. Nicole Chen, Event Coordination
## Thank You
Hamilton Preparatory School thanks all volunteers, sponsors, presenters, and attendees who make STEM Night a spectacular celebration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics!
STEM Night inspires future scientists, engineers, and innovators while showing families that learning can be exciting, interactive, and fun. We hope to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM that lasts a lifetime!
Come explore, experiment, and discover the wonders of STEM!