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Ignite STEM learning for Lights On Afterschool

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Ignite STEM learning for Lights On Afterschool

Afterschool programs are a natural space to provide engaging, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning experiences. Because so many afterschool programs make STEM learning a priority – and so many programs want to offer STEM learning in the future – it makes perfect sense to feature STEM learning as one of the top themes for Lights On Afterschool!

We’re only four weeks away from Lights On Afterschool 2018, and we’re already seeing some amazing events appear in our database. Here are a few highlights that programs can use to inspire their own events and ignite STEM learning on October 25:

  • Code Your World: In partnership with 4-H, STEM learning events make twice as much impact this year: afterschool programs can count their National Youth Science Day celebrations as Lights On events as well. Visit 4-H’s website and explore Code Your World’s digital and unplugged activities to offer fun computer science learning at your Lights On Afterschool event.
  • STEM at your local library: The Teen Science Café at Caldwell Public Library in Caldwell, Idaho will host a wildlife scientist to share how the conservation area works to enhance life for Idaho’s raptor population. Pizza and a problem-solving activity about raptors will follow.
  • Greenhouses galore: High Desert Leapin' Lizards of Ridgecrest, Calif. will host a STEAM celebration of plants, ecosystems, and mud! Members of the community are invited to explore environmental science and the ecosystem all around them, by planting seed, exploring the greenhouses and vertical gardens, playing with the stream tables, and walking through our various ecosystems. The event will also feature their Afterschool Heritage Recipe Book, compiled during the program’s Genealogy, Heritage and Culture unit.
  • Museum visit: Kids Commons in Columbus, Ind. will offer free admission to their children’s museum for families with kids in pre-K through 6th grade, with hands-on STEAM activities throughout the museum.
  • Science showcase: Reach for the Stars After School Program in Ottawa, Kansas is coordinating with the annual Science Fair family night to host an open house that opens minds. The Mayor, governor, superintendent, and other local dignitaries are invited to see the experiments students have conducted and learn their findings.

Are you celebrating STEM at your Lights On Afterschool event? Share your plan on Twitter using #LightsOnAfterschool!

You can find more ideas and inspiration from past years by searching for “STEM” in the Events Ideas & Activities database.

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Students at Life Pieces to Masterpieces in Washington, D.C. Afterschool Alliance staff members were out and about at afterschoool programs during Lights On Afterschool 2023. Here are a few snapshots of events they participated in. For even more Lights On Afterschool event recaps, check out...

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