SOAR's inaugural STEM Fair comes to San Marcos Activity Center

Posted by Jayme Blaschke
University News Service
January 23, 2014

Local partners in the SOAR (Seeking Opportunities Achieving Results) organization and the Center for P-16 Initiatives at Texas State University will be hosting San Marcos’ inaugural STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 1 at the San Marcos Activity Center.

The fair is designed to inspire kids with the wonder and knowledge that come with STEM experiments, and to pursue studies and professions in the various STEM fields. There will be a wide variety of engaging exhibits and hands-on activities for the whole family. The event is free and open to the public.

"College graduates in STEM majors lead the way in average annual earnings. During tough economic times the fields that continue to grow are those that require analytical thinking and technological skills," said Michelle Hamilton, director of the Center for P-16 Initiatives. "Essentially, STEM graduates will always be in demand."

Among the diverse exhibits will be the Trailblazer II experience trailer from the Texas Association of Minorities and Engineering and the Austin Planetarium’s “Discovery Dome” sponsored by Chick-fil-A. The Trailblazer II is a 40-foot exhibit trailer that houses a variety of engineering and science exhibits targeted at students in grades 3 to 8. The Discovery Dome utilizes an inflatable shell and a state-of-the-art digital projection system. The dome is 18 feet in diameter on the inside, and can seat up to 45 children or 30 adults.

"STEM is all around us, so it only makes sense to help San Marcos students understand the vast territory of career opportunities that exist within the STEM fields, and that they are all within reach on the heels of a good education," said Brian Bondy, president of San Marcos Chamber of Commerce.

Students in attendance can also enter to win a place in one of 100 free STEM summer camps valued at more than $500 per week. These camps will be sponsored by local businesses as part of the STEM Fair’s Give-A-Kid-A-Camp program.

For further STEM Fair details, or information on how to volunteer and support, please contact the SOAR liaison, Margaret Lindsey, at (512) 393-5910.