Family Science Day

*This program has been archived.
 

What Is Family Science Day?

Family Science Day was a public outreach event to educate and inspire K–8 students in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This family-friendly event encouraged scientific discovery through hands-on activities, challenges, and demonstrations while providing the opportunity to learn about scientific careers from actual research scientists and science educators. In addition, the event helped to raise awareness of the importance of STEM in our society.

The origins of Family Science Day went all the way back to 2004, when it first began as Family Science Night as part of an outreach event for the Challenger Learning Center.  That event was held in the Bone Student Center Ballroom and ran annually until 2006 when it was discontinued due to lack of time and resources. In 2011, CeMaST, along with the Challenger Learning Center and Children’s Discovery Museum, revived the event. 

Family Science Day continued to grow each year in sponsors, exhibits, and attendance until its final year in 2015. From 2013 through 2015, Family Science Day also served as the home to the Central Illinois Robotics Club's annual BotBrawl competition, which was a fan favorite.

 

Past Events

 

Family Science Day in the News

• “Family Science Day part of Spark! Festival running April 6 to 11.” ISU Report, April 6, 2015.
• “13th Annual Bot Brawl: Metal gladiators fight it out to foster education!” Robot Magazine , September/October 2013, 28–31.
•  “Organizers gearing up for 3rd annual Family Science Day at ISU.” Pantagraph , April 5, 2013.
• “Learning for all ages at ISU's Family Science Day.” Pantagraph , April 18, 2011.