MASON CITY, Iowa — Curiosity and creativity were on full display April 9 as the North Iowa STEM Festival welcomed more than 350 attendees to the Mason City High School Fieldhouse.
The event brought together families with elementary-aged students for an evening of hands-on learning, with interactive activities designed to make science, technology, engineering and math both engaging and accessible.
Young participants explored a variety of stations, experimenting with sound and vibrations, racing mini solar-powered cars and building simple grabber tools. A welding simulator offered a unique, high-tech experience, while live animal encounters and demonstrations—such as crash reconstruction technology—highlighted how STEM concepts are applied in real-world situations.
Organizers said a major focus of the festival was connecting families with local businesses and organizations, a goal that was clearly met throughout the evening. Community partners hosted activity stations and shared insights into how STEM plays a role in their daily work, giving students and parents a better understanding of potential career paths.
With free admission and a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere, the festival encouraged attendees to learn together while discovering the impact of STEM in everyday life.
The strong turnout and high level of engagement made the event a success, showcasing the importance of collaboration between schools, businesses and the community in promoting STEM education.
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