This month, we turn our STEM spotlight on the amazing network of friends and partners right here in the Southeast Iowa STEM Region. We were reminded of the strength of this network at our third annual Community STEM Day, held July 17, at Collins Aerospace in Cedar Rapids.

This STEM-filled event featured a farmer's market-style with hands-on STEM activities from 75 exhibitors, in-depth STEM workshops, exclusive lab tours, live music, food, and so much more. None of it would have been possible without the boundless creativity of our exhibitors, the tireless work of our Collins Aerospace partners, the support of our 170 Collins volunteers, and the enthusiasm our all-age attendees brought with them. Our STEM community is indeed strong.

And reminders of that strong STEM community are evident all the time.

Each Monday, we post a roundup of STEM happenings in the region. These events take place at nature centers, museums, libraries, county conservation sites, college campuses, K-12 schools, and more. The people—including many volunteers—hosting these events are dedicated to sparking STEM interest and curiosity in kids of all ages.

This past month alone, we’ve shared almost 100 different STEM activities and events going on throughout the region—featuring everything from snakes and reptiles to stargazing to the science of ice cream and dance—and these are just the ones we know about.

We know that exposing kids to engaging, hands-on STEM learning is crucial not just to build interest, but also to connect students and families with local stakeholders to help open pathways to opportunities and lifelong learning.  

With the dog days of summer upon us, parents sometimes struggle to know what to do with kids each day. Be sure to check out our Monday rundowns to find STEM events in and around your community—and follow us to find other ideas that spring up.