2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

From Science Fair to STEAM Night

Presented at Homer's Handy Homework: STEM Adventures from Sofa to School, Mmm... STEM

Science fairs have a long history of engaging students in scientific exploration with friendly competition. However, in recent years with the promotion of integrating Arts into STEM, STEAM Nights have become popular. This is particularly true at the primary level where very young students can be engaged in all aspects of STEAM activities. This paper discusses an elementary school’s transition from a grades 3-5 science fair to a grades K-5 STEAM Night. The science fair had been held for 29 years at the school, with a maximum of about 75 students participating each year. STEAM Night has now been held twice, with an estimated 100 students attending each time with their families. A survey of STEAM Night participants indicated that the event was enjoyable and educational and that most prefer it to a science fair. However, a survey of all school families indicated a preference for a science fair. Advantages and disadvantages of both science fairs and STEAM nights are discussed as well as recommendations in developing a successful STEAM Night.

Authors

Dr. Shannon L. Isovitsch Parks P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8479-1756 University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown [biography]

Dr. Shannon Parks is a registered Professional Engineer with 20+ years of broad-based experience in the water resources and environmental engineering fields. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University and a Masters of Science and doctoral degree in Civil & Environmental Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She has been teaching water resources and environmental engineering at University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown since 2016. Prior to joining University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, Dr. Parks worked for over seven years at the Alcoa Technical Center focusing on development and commercialization of sustainable wastewater treatment and solid waste reuse technologies. She also served as a member of the Alcoa Foundation Board of Directors, providing environmental expertise to support the Foundation’s focus areas of Environment, Empowerment, and Education, as well as her experience with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for women. Prior to joining Alcoa, Dr. Parks worked for approximately seven years as a consultant to government agencies, municipalities, and industrial clients performing water resources engineering design and permitting. In addition to her corporate experience, Dr. Parks served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mali, West Africa, supporting a local Non-Governmental Organization on water sanitation projects.
Mrs. Larissa Yates Buffalo Elementary Parent Teacher Organization
Emily Geist
Sara Ruffner

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