Does your child enjoy doing hands on activities, building things and discovering the how & why in an activity? STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) activities are just what you are looking for! Cass County Extension is partnering with the Nishna Valley YMCA to offer new STEM activities and programs for Cass County youth in the upcoming months.

Join Extension and YMCA officials on January 3rd from 9AM-3PM at the Nishna Valley YMCA for a day full of Hands on STEM. This STEM event is free for 3rd-8th graders, with lunch provided. Deadline for registration is to be turned into the Extension Office or the Y by December 30th. Registration forms are available at the Y, Extension Office or online at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. There is a maximum of 50 participants.

The STEM activities do not end there; from January 14th through May 20th youth in grades 4-6 have the opportunity to participate in more STEM hands on activities through the whY Science afterschool program in the middle school science lab. Beth Irlbeck, Cass County Youth Coordinator, says “This year, we are very excited to offer “A World In Motion” STEM activities related to movement, gravity, and friction exploration from January 14th through March 11th. Following spring break, we will change topics and do activities related to ecosystems & the environment. Participants will design and build a live terrarium & ecosystem, then observe the environmental effects.”

Irlbeck says “We are continually increasing our STEM efforts because there is increased evidence of need and support for STEM. 4-H has done science and positive youth development programming for years and now we’ve teamed up with the Y who has also made its history supporting youth development.” These STEM activities promise lots of fun, hands-on science, opportunities to experiment and meet new friends.

Registration instructions are now available at www.extension.iastate.edu/cass. Pre-register by January 8th to attend the A World In Motion sessions.

(Press Release)