Want to try out a virtual reality simulation built by NIU students? Stop by 71 North during NIU’s 17th annual STEM Fest this Saturday, where the Huskieverse team will be demonstrating VR projects they developed as class projects.
STEM Fest runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19, across the Holmes Student Center, Swen Parson Hall, MLK Commons and Founders Memorial Library in DeKalb.
Beyond the studio, there’s plenty to explore. You can watch hands-on chemistry experiments, drive robots, build electrical circuits and experiment with lasers and light. Bringing little ones? The Tot Spot gives toddlers through early elementary kids blocks of all materials and sizes to build with.
Highlights to plan your day around
- Weather balloon launch at 11 a.m. Watch the launch and learn how the balloons are built and how teams collect real-time data from them.
- Make It Make Sense Science Showdown at 11 a.m. or 1 p.m. Join an interactive game show on the Holmes Student Center’s Oasis Stage, with science facts and answers straight from scientists.
- Build-A-Blinkie. Practice soldering, learn how electrical circuits work and take home a light-up pin you made yourself.
- Haunted Physics Lab. Get hands-on with light, phosphorescence and lasers.
- Prairie Research Institute Traveling Science Center. This mobile science center showcases State of Illinois research and environmental science.
- Quiet Zone. West Side Children’s Therapy is hosting sensory-friendly activities for anyone who needs a calmer space.
For the full schedule, visit go.niu.edu/stemfest.
Adapted from the Daily Chronicle. Photo provided by Northern Illinois University.