April 4, 2024 GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.: Families can get a peek into the worlds of anatomy, zoology, genetics, robotics and more during Community Stem Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 13.
“We are excited to offer this free community day,” said Kristi Haik, dean of the School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “STEM career growth far outpaces other fields. STEM exposure is important for all students. That’s why we are hosting this free day of fascinating experiences in all facets of STEM.”
Students will be able to explore a host of hands-on STEM-related activities, including building balloon cars, making slime, designing robots, dissecting owl pellets, examining cheek cells, and much more.
“GRCC faculty and students look forward to hosting a fun, interactive science day for all ages,” said Professor Leigh Kleinert of GRCC’s biological sciences department. “We will have more than 25 different activities going on simultaneously.”
“We want to inspire young students with fun, cool activities,” Haik continued. “We hope that by exploring STEM activities and meeting professionals in the field, students will believe STEM is for them,” Haik said. “We also hope to welcome them back to GRCC some day through the host of STEM pathway programs that we offer.”
All of the programs and activities are free and open to the public. Starting at 10 a.m., the John Ball Traveling Zoo will offer a 45-minute program beginning on the hour, every hour. All of the other programs are available on a continuous, drop-in basis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Free parking will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in both parking ramp A and parking ramp B. Parking ramp A is located at the corner of Fountain Street and Ransom Avenue. Parking ramp B is located at the corner of Bostwick Avenue and Lyon Street. Volunteers will be on hand to provide directions and maps of the activities.
For more information about all the programs that will be offered and their locations, please visit grcc.edu/STEMday.
About Grand Rapids Community College
GRCC was established in 1914 – Michigan’s first community college – and is focused on making college education accessible and affordable. Classes are scheduled in person and online, on weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays at locations throughout Kent and Ottawa counties. We offer traditional liberal arts and occupational career pathways, adult education courses, and skilled training courses and apprenticeships.