STCC plans ‘Family Science Night’ for STEM Week, Oct. 17-21

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. –  Springfield Technical Community College kicks off Mass STEM Week Oct. 17-21 with a festival on campus that introduces visitors to science, technology, engineering and math and will close out the week with a fun and entertaining “Family Science Night” on Oct. 21 that is free and open to the community.

STCC is one of several community colleges across the state planning events and activities during the fifth annual Mass STEM Week, an initiative organized by the Executive Office of Education and the STEM Advisory Council. Other higher education institutions, K-12 schools and non-profits that help promote careers and programs in STEM fields also are participating in the statewide effort to boost interest and raise awareness of STEM.

Mike Davis will demonstrate science projects at Family Science Night.

“I’m excited about the events we are offering, including Family Science Night on Oct. 21 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on the STCC campus in Scibelli Hall or Building 2,” said Lara Sharp, dean of the School of STEM. “The idea is to give everyone a fun atmosphere to come and enjoy science, technology, engineering and math, and to meet some of our faculty and students. We are going to have a science ‘edutainer,’ Mike Davis. He’s going to do demonstration shows of science experiments and science fun facts. He’s very funny and very entertaining.”

In between the shows, Family Science Night will offer hands-on activities, including music, games, food, prizes and giveaways. “It’s free and meant for everybody in the community,” Sharp said. 

Davis, a chemistry professor and host of Family Science Night, has been performing science demonstration shows for more than 20 years in the United States and Ireland.

Davis started as a young chemistry student, eager to share a little bit of knowledge and has grown in a role of a science demonstrator. His main goal is to use science to give people an experience they could not give themselves. 

His shows contain a number of entertaining and enlightening demonstrations.  He uses humor to explain difficult topics, and uses chemicals to demonstrate scientific principles. 

As a Hispanic Serving Institution, STCC encourages diversity in STEM education and careers and provides support for underrepresented populations to envision themselves in STEM fields. The theme for this year’s initiative is “See Yourself in STEM.”

The idea is to give everyone a fun atmosphere to come and enjoy science, technology, engineering and math, and to meet some of our faculty and students. Lara Sharp, Dean of the School of STEM

“As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC is proud to offer essential STEM educational programs that lead to robust careers,” Sharp said. “We think our students as well as people in the community will enjoy learning more about our unique programs during STEM Week. We encourage students, families and residents to learn more about our unique programs.”

STEM Week focuses on the power of mentoring. Women, people of color, first-generation students, low-income individuals, English language learners, and people with disabilities are underrepresented in STEM industries and make up an increasing portion of the overall workforce, but the demographics of STEM fields have remained largely the same.

The following STCC-sponsored events are planned on campus:

  • Oct. 17, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.:  Intro to STEM Festival, outside Putnam Hall (Building 17);
  • Oct. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.:  Egg Drop Build and Competition, parking lot between Deliso Hall and the Student Learning Commons (Buildings 13 and 19);
  • Oct. 19, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m.: Doughnuts with the Deans, STEM Center, Putnam Hall (Building 17), Room 425;
  • Oct. 20, 12:15 p.m.-1:15 p.m., STEM Career Day, STEM Center;
  • Oct. 21, 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m., Family Science Night, Scibelli Hall (Building 2) gym and auditorium.

 

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequaled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu