MSSM hosted its first STEM Discovery Night on Monday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Limestone Community School, bringing local families together for an evening of hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities.
The event featured about 20 stations led by MSSM faculty and students, along with community partners including the Francis Malcolm Science Center. Children moved from station to station exploring rocks, building squishy circuits, stepping inside an inflatable planetarium, trying chemistry experiments, learning about static electricity, making their own instruments, and taking part in many other activities.
A number of local children attended with their families, including several Scouts. The goal was simple: give younger students a chance to explore STEM in a fun, welcoming setting while meeting older students and adults who enjoy science and learning.
“Everyone from MSSM did a great job letting them experience the joy of STEM,” MSSM Executive Director Rob Constantine said. “The impact of young students seeing older students excited about and enjoying learning and science is so important”
STEM Discovery Night was one of the first major programs organized through MSSM’s new community programs manager position. Valerie Chavez moved into the role this year after serving as a residential instructor at MSSM last year.
She is a graduate of UCLA, where she earned a bachelor of science in biology.
“We were really excited by the turnout for our first STEM Discovery Night, and it was wonderful to see so many local students and families engaging with STEM,” Chavez said. “It was also exciting to see our own students and faculty so enthusiastic about connecting with younger students in our community.”
Chavez said the event is part of a broader effort to strengthen MSSM’s connections throughout Aroostook County and Maine.
“We see this event as an important step in expanding our reach in Aroostook County and across Maine. As we look ahead, we hope to build stronger connections with schools, educators, and community organizations to make STEM opportunities more accessible to students throughout Maine,” Chavez said.
With strong participation from families, MSSM students, faculty, and community partners, the first STEM Discovery Night gave organizers plenty of reason to look ahead.
“We look forward to continuing STEM Discovery Night in the future and developing more educational initiatives throughout the year,” Chavez said.
