STEM education is vitally important today and to highlight its importance, Bradley is hosting a STEM celebration day on Saturday, April 14th. It is sponsored by the Bradley Center for STEM Education. There will be a number of activities including rocket launches and robotic activities throughout the day that the public is invited to attend.
Bradley's Center for STEM education has invited a nationally-known STEM speaker to campus for the past 6 years. Co-Director Dr. Kevin Finsen says this helps highlight the role of STEM education in today's world. "Each of our speakers is asked to share something about their life, education, interests, what they are doing in their careers now, and how STEM has been a critical factor in their careers. This is an outreach program to get the community more connected with and interested in STEM -- whether as a vocation or hobby."
The Center for STEM Education has been created to improve education, career opportunities and literacy in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Bradley strives to develop programs that challenge and advance learning and teaching in STEM fields and provide educational opportunities and training for the next generation of STEM educators, STEM professionals, and STEM-literate citizens.
There is no registration required for STEM Day and anyone is welcome to participate. The only cost associated with the program is the cost to get into the Peoria Riverfront Museum for the activities that will be held there. The schedule of events is listed below. Media is invited to cover any or all of the activities. Dr. Finson will be the contact for the events on campus and is reachable at 309-357-0513.
Saturday, April 14 - STEM Day Activities
9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Air Rockets – Building and Launching: Bradley University Campus, Westlake Hall Room 116. Designed for budding scientists in grades 3-8, this hands-on workshop will engage rocketeers in constructing and then launching air-powered rockets. (Note: This event is weather dependent.)
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Robots and Space Exploration Activities: Peoria Riverfront Museum (Lobby Area) – Robots are currently exploring Mars, looking for signs of past liquid water. Learn about robots being built right here on Earth by Robot Casserole, FIRST Robotics Competition Team 1736.
1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Frontiers in STEM Education Presentation: Mr. Bryan Palaszewski from NASA’s Stennis Space Center speaking about the Manned Mission to Mars and Exploration of our Solar System: Bradley University Campus, Michel Student Center Ballroom.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Special Planetarium Program: Peoria Riverfront Museum (Dome Planetarium) – Univeiw: The Exploration of Mars. There are more robotic spacecraft exploring Mars today than ever before, and more in the pipeline. Come to the Dome Planetarium at the Peoria Riverfront Museum to visit the Red Planet using our immersive Uniview software. Uniview allows us to fly a virtual spacecraft up, over, and around our neighbor planet and witness Mars’ ancient wonders for ourselves. This live, interactive show also encourages audience questions and suggestions.
7:35 PM – 9:00 PM
Observing the Night Sky at Northmoor Observatory: Donovan Park, 5805 North Knoxville Avenue (Peoria) – on the park grounds south of the parking lot (follow the lights). Viewing hosted by the Peoria Astronomical Society. (Note: This event is weather-dependent.)
