By Nate Hoekstra
A free public event focused on STEM topics and activities for kids and adults of all ages will be hosted by several Grand Valley State University departments on Sept. 16.
The event, BrainSTEM, is a hands-on, brains-on expo that highlights the best of today’s innovation and creativity in science, technology, engineering and math. Community organizations that focus on STEM and STEM learning will be available throughout all three floors of the Grand Rapids Public Museum with hands-on activities for all ages.
The event is sponsored by Grand Valley’s Charter Schools Office, College of Education, College of Computing and Engineering, and WGVU Public Media.
BrainSTEM
Sept. 16
9 a.m. — 2 p.m.
Grand Rapids Public Museum
Free to public, no registration required (museum admission is free)
Students in grades K-8 can take part in “Get with the Program,” a group of four computer coding sessions that will help expose students to computer programming.
Educators will be able to take part in Code to Compose, an introductory music composition and computer programming curriculum designed for beginners to gain exposure to coding. Participants will learn the basics by creating music with the Ruby programming language using a free application called Sonic Pi. The hands-on workshop for administrators, technology and music teachers interested in STEAM programs for 6-12th graders is offered by Macro Connect.
Organizations taking part in the event include WGVU, GE Aviation, John Ball Zoo, Atomic Object, Breakout EDU, Tetra Discover Partner, Michigan State University Extension, GRPS, AirZoo, and West Michigan Tech Talent.
For more information, visit http://www.grpm.org/events/brainstem/
