By Laura Katauskas
Staff reporter
More than 600 people came out to experience how using science and technology work to make life a little more than interesting.
White Oak Library District hosted its second annual STEM Fest March 3 where visitors enjoyed a full day of science, technology, engineering and mathematics at its Romeoville branch.
From flying a plane into a windtunnel to pod racing, a variety of vendors from various museums, colleges and universities and community organizations offered stimulating, hands-on activities during the day.
As the push to bring science and engineering to the forefront on a national level increases, a local opportunity to learn science is awesome, was at the heart of the district’s STEM fest.
Free crafts and raffle prizes were offered throughout the day as well as presentations from the Sci Tech Museum, Lewis University, Joliet Junior College, Children’s Museum of Oak Lawn, STEM Scouts, Village of Romeoville TV, Science Ninja, College of DuPage STEM Department, TnT Paranormal, Pilcher Park Nature Center Rescue, author Janet Riehecky, Bolingbrook Amateur Radio Society, K9/Chibots, Joliet Cyborgs Robotics Team, IMSA (Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy), and USDA Forest Service – Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie.
Dave DiNaso’s Traveling Worlds of Reptiles also made an appearance for two shows.
According to national standards, STEM is becoming a priority as the realization that there are less students studying these pursuits, potentially leaving expertise in these career fields lacking. According to the US Department of Education, STEM jobs are expected to grow at almost double the rate of the national average in the near future, and currently there are not enough adults educated in STEM fields to fill current jobs.
The White Oak Library District was able to host STEM Fest thanks to a grant provided by CITGO and its continued support from the Friends of the White Oak Library District.