STEM Fest is GSEMA's premier STEM event of the year, featuring activities and experiments designed specifically for different age groups. Partial financial aid is available for GSEMA youth members, and patch and swag are included.
STEM FEST SESSIONS
*NEW* Ocean Cleanup Challenge
What happens when trash enters our oceans? Use a hands-on “mini
ocean” model to remove debris and discover the challenges of cleaning
up plastic pollution. Explore how engineers work to protect marine
ecosystems.
-Ms. Massachusetts Elemental
Tough as Pudding
Learn about material properties by mixing concrete made of
pudding! Test out different ingredients to learn how to make your
material stronger.
-Simpson Gumpertz and Heger
*NEW* Sound Waves in Action
Watch sound make waves! See vibrations come to life as a
speaker creates visible ripples in water.
-Bose Corporation
Floor is Lava
The floor is lava, and the bears need your help! Explore
balanced and unbalanced forces as you design a structure to rescue
them.
-Society of Women Engineers Boston
*NEW* Marshmallow Engineering
Think like an engineer and build with marshmallows and
toothpicks! Test your design skills to see how tall and strong you can
make your tower.
-Suffolk
Need for Speed
Do you think you can use plastic building blocks to build
something in less than a minute? Put your skills to the test with this
speedy engineering challenge! Compete by yourself or take things to
the next level by competing with another Girl Scout.
-RTX
Need a Tissue?
Get a glimpse into how engineers think about creating synthetic
tissues for people who need them! Then, make one of your own by
building a model bone, crafting a heart, or assembling your own
cells.
-Tufts Biomedical Engineering
World's Strongest Straws
Drive a robot around a field and try to achieve various tasks
with it! Work through the engineering design process by building a
structure that can support a cup of pennies using only straws and
tape. Challenge your peers to a friendly competition and try to build
the structure that can support the most weight!
-Andover Robotics
*NEW* Color Lab & Fingerprints
How do scientists separate mixtures? Explore chromatography and
discover how colors are created. Then, examine your own fingerprint
and learn what makes it uniquely yours.
-Millipore Sigma
Strawberry DNA
When we think about genetics and biology, we usually aren’t
thinking about a fruity summertime favorite. Learn what DNA is and how
scientists study it by using common household objects to extract
genetic material (DNA) from living organisms (strawberries).
-X-Chem
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of
air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets
of everyday air pollutants, and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off,
landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to
complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday
problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create
wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers
support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to
see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and
discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston
Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge
strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and
money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use
sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your
creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then
put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and
engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical
procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small
items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some
store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can
protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative
ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities
like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help
communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone
Living Lab
*NEW* Ocean Cleanup Challenge
What happens when trash enters our oceans? Use a hands-on “mini ocean” model to remove debris and discover the challenges of cleaning up plastic pollution. Explore how engineers work to protect marine ecosystems.
-Ms. Massachusetts Elemental
Tough as Pudding
Learn about material properties by mixing concrete made of pudding! Test out different ingredients to learn how to make your material stronger.
-Simpson Gumpertz and Heger
*NEW* Sound Waves in Action
Watch sound make waves! See vibrations come to life as a speaker creates visible ripples in water.
-Bose Corporation
Floor is Lava
The floor is lava, and the bears need your help! Explore balanced and unbalanced forces as you design a structure to rescue them.
-Society of Women Engineers Boston
*NEW* Marshmallow Engineering
Think like an engineer and build with marshmallows and toothpicks! Test your design skills to see how tall and strong you can make your tower.
-Suffolk
Need for Speed
Do you think you can use plastic building blocks to build something in less than a minute? Put your skills to the test with this speedy engineering challenge! Compete by yourself or take things to the next level by competing with another Girl Scout.
-RTX
Need a Tissue?
Get a glimpse into how engineers think about creating synthetic tissues for people who need them! Then, make one of your own by building a model bone, crafting a heart, or assembling your own cells.
-Tufts Biomedical Engineering
World's Strongest Straws
Drive a robot around a field and try to achieve various tasks with it! Work through the engineering design process by building a structure that can support a cup of pennies using only straws and tape. Challenge your peers to a friendly competition and try to build the structure that can support the most weight!
-Andover Robotics
*NEW* Color Lab & Fingerprints
How do scientists separate mixtures? Explore chromatography and discover how colors are created. Then, examine your own fingerprint and learn what makes it uniquely yours.
-Millipore Sigma
Strawberry DNA
When we think about genetics and biology, we usually aren’t thinking about a fruity summertime favorite. Learn what DNA is and how scientists study it by using common household objects to extract genetic material (DNA) from living organisms (strawberries).
-X-Chem
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets of everyday air pollutants, and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off, landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone Living Lab
*NEW* From Liquid to Life
Explore the science of biomaterials in this hands-on activity! Create your own gel-like beads using sodium alginate and calcium chloride, and watch a liquid instantly transform into a soft “solid.” Discover how scientists design materials that mimic human tissues, and explore real-world applications in medicine and regenerative science.
-Mass AWIS
*NEW* pH Power!
Test a variety of juices and fruits to discover which are acidic or basic! Learn how to use pH strips, and explore how pH impacts your body.
-Young Women in Bio Boston
*NEW* Stream Sleuths
Explore the hidden world of river bugs living in the stream! Help collect specimens with a net, take a closer look, and even identify them to discover what they reveal about stream health. Follow the journey of this waterway as it flows into Beaver Brook, the Charles River, and all the way to Boston Harbor within the Charles River Watershed.
-Charles River Watershed Association
DIY Periscope!
Use mirrors to peer around a corner! Make a periscope and learn how light reflects and refracts, and find out how your creation is similar to a microscope or a telescope.
-New England Sci Tech
*NEW* Sound Waves in Action
Watch sound make waves! See vibrations come to life as a speaker creates visible ripples in water.
-Bose Corporation
The Floor Is Lava
The floor is lava, and the bears need your help! Explore balanced and unbalanced forces as you design a structure to rescue them.
-Society of Women Engineers Boston
*NEW* Marshmallow Engineering
Think like an engineer and build with marshmallows and toothpicks! Test your design skills to see how tall and strong you can make your tower.
-Suffolk
Need for Speed
Do you think you can use plastic building blocks to build something in less than a minute? Put your skills to the test with this speedy engineering challenge! Compete by yourself or take things to the next level by competing with another Girl Scout.
-RTX
Need a Tissue?
Get a glimpse into how engineers think about creating synthetic tissues for people who need them! Then, make one of your own by building a model bone, crafting a heart, or assembling your own cells.
-Tufts Biomedical Engineering
World's Strongest Straws
Drive a robot around a field and try to achieve various tasks with it! Work through the engineering design process by building a structure that can support a cup of pennies using only straws and tape. Challenge your peers to a friendly competition and try to build the structure that can support the most weight!
-Andover Robotics
*NEW* Color Lab & Fingerprints
How do scientists separate mixtures? Explore chromatography and discover how colors are created. Then, examine your own fingerprint and learn what makes it uniquely yours.
-Millipore Sigma
Strawberry DNA
When we think about genetics and biology, we usually aren’t thinking about a fruity summertime favorite. Learn what DNA is and how scientists study it by using common household objects to extract genetic material (DNA) from living organisms (strawberries).
-X-Chem
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets of everyday air pollutants and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off, landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone Living Lab
*NEW* From Liquid to Life
Explore the science of biomaterials in this hands-on activity! Create your own gel-like beads using sodium alginate and calcium chloride, and watch a liquid instantly transform into a soft “solid.” Discover how scientists design materials that mimic human tissues, and explore real-world applications in medicine and regenerative science.
-Mass AWIS
*NEW* pH Power!
Test a variety of juices and fruits to discover which are acidic or basic! Learn how to use pH strips, and explore how pH impacts your body.
-Young Women in Bio Boston
*NEW* Stream Sleuths
Explore the hidden world of river bugs living in the stream! Help collect specimens with a net, take a closer look, and even identify them to discover what they reveal about stream health. Follow the journey of this waterway as it flows into Beaver Brook, the Charles River, and all the way to Boston Harbor within the Charles River Watershed.
-Charles River Watershed Association
DIY Periscope!
Use mirrors to peer around a corner! Make a periscope and learn how light reflects and refracts, and find out how your creation is similar to a microscope or a telescope.
-New England Sci Tech
*NEW* AI App Lab
Explore how artificial intelligence can be used to create apps! Discover how technology turns ideas into interactive tools.
-Dell
Light It Up!
Design and illuminate your own logo using an electrical circuit! Explore how batteries, conductors, and insulators work together to make your creation shine.
-GirlStart
How Dense Is It?
Create a rainbow in a tube! Pour different colored liquids together and explore the concept of density as you discover which colors rise to the top.
-Brookline Girl Scout Troop 84329
*NEW* Paper Tower Challenge
You’re the engineer! Build the tallest tower you can using only paper. Test your design as it stands on its own, no leaning, no support.
-Suffolk
Energy Efficient Dollhouse
This dollhouse needs your help! Improve its energy efficiency by making creative upgrades using the materials provided, and explore how homes can use less energy.
-Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University
Building Blocks
Use blocks made from deconstructed buildings to design your dream home or structure! Explore architecture and engineering as you bring your ideas to life.
-SA+C Inc
*NEW* Color Lab & Fingerprints
How do scientists separate mixtures? Explore chromatography and discover how colors are created. Then, examine your own fingerprint and learn what makes it uniquely yours.
-Millipore Sigma
Strawberry DNA
When we think about genetics and biology, we usually aren’t thinking about a fruity summertime favorite. Learn what DNA is and how scientists study it by using common household objects to extract genetic material (DNA) from living organisms (strawberries).
-X-Chem
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets of everyday air pollutants, and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off, landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone Living Lab
*NEW* From Liquid to Life
Explore the science of biomaterials in this hands-on activity! Create your own gel-like beads using sodium alginate and calcium chloride, and watch a liquid instantly transform into a soft “solid.” Discover how scientists design materials that mimic human tissues, and explore real-world applications in medicine and regenerative science.
-Mass AWIS
*NEW* pH Power!
Test a variety of juices and fruits to discover which are acidic or basic! Learn how to use pH strips, and explore how pH impacts your body.
-Young Women in Bio Boston
*NEW* Stream Sleuths
Explore the hidden world of river bugs living in the stream! Help collect specimens with a net, take a closer look, and even identify them to discover what they reveal about stream health. Follow the journey of this waterway as it flows into Beaver Brook, the Charles River, and all the way to Boston Harbor within the Charles River Watershed.
-Charles River Watershed Association
DIY Periscope!
Use mirrors to peer around a corner! Make a periscope and learn how light reflects and refracts, and find out how your creation is similar to a microscope or a telescope.
-New England Sci Tech
Light It Up!
Design and illuminate your own logo using an electrical circuit! Explore how batteries, conductors, and insulators work together to make your creation shine.
-GirlStart
How Dense Is It?
Create a rainbow in a tube! Pour different colorful liquids together and explore the concept of density as you discover which colors rise to the top.
-Brookline Girl Scout Troop 84329
Paper Tower Challenge
You’re the engineer! Build the tallest tower you can using only paper. Test your design as it stands on its own, no leaning, no support.
-Suffolk
Energy Efficient Dollhouse
This dollhouse needs your help! Improve its energy efficiency by making creative upgrades using the materials provided and explore how homes can use less energy.
-Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University
Building Blocks
Use blocks made from deconstructed buildings to design your dream home or structure! Explore architecture and engineering as you bring your ideas to life.
-SA+C Inc
*NEW* DNA Design Lab
Step into the role of a geneticist and explore what makes every living thing unique! Use colorful beads to represent the building blocks of DNA as you design and assemble your own DNA sequence bracelet. Discover how these patterns connect to the amazing diversity of life.
-Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard
*NEW* Sound Builders
Build and decorate your own Bluetooth speaker! Discover how speakers work as you explore the science of electronics and circuitry through hands-on assembly.
-Bose Corporation
*NEW* Light Up a Star
Create your own electrical circuit using a button battery, copper tape, and an LED! Light up astronomical images and explore the life cycle of a star.
-Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Strawberry DNA
When we think about genetics and biology, we usually aren’t thinking about a fruity summertime favorite. Learn what DNA is and how scientists study it by using common household objects to extract genetic material (DNA) from living organisms (strawberries).
-X-Chem
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets of everyday air pollutants, and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off, landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone Living Lab
*NEW* Stream Sleuths
Explore the hidden world of river bugs living in the stream! Help collect specimens with a net, take a closer look, and even identify them to discover what they reveal about stream health. Follow the journey of this waterway as it flows into Beaver Brook, the Charles River, and all the way to Boston Harbor within the Charles River Watershed.
-Charles River Watershed Association
DIY Periscope!
Use mirrors to peer around a corner! Make a periscope and learn how light reflects and refracts, and find out how your creation is similar to a microscope or a telescope.
-New England Sci Tech
Paper Tower Challenge
You’re the engineer! Build the tallest tower you can using only paper. Test your design as it stands on its own, no leaning, no support.
-Suffolk
Energy Efficient Dollhouse
This dollhouse needs your help! Improve its energy efficiency by making creative upgrades using the materials provided and explore how homes can use less energy.
-Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University
Building Blocks
Use blocks made from deconstructed buildings to design your dream home or structure! Explore architecture and engineering as you bring your ideas to life.
-SA+C Inc
*NEW* Sound Builders
Build and decorate your own Bluetooth speaker! Discover how speakers work as you explore the science of electronics and circuitry through hands-on assembly.
-Bose Corporation
*NEW* Light Up a Star
Create your own electrical circuit using a button battery, copper tape, and an LED! Light up astronomical images and explore the life cycle of a star.
-Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Build, Burn, Breathe
Take a deep breath and get ready to dive into the science of air! Build models using plastic building blocks to uncover the secrets of everyday air pollutants, and discover where they come from.
-MIT Biological Engineering
*NEW* Drone Pilots
Soar into STEM as you pilot a drone! Practice taking off, landing, and maneuvering while learning the science of flight.
-Mitre
*NEW* Robot Builders
Explore how robots are designed and built! Use LEGO robots to complete challenges and see how robotics helps solve everyday problems.
-Gummy Bear Robotics
*NEW* Plant Power
Get hands-on with horticulture as you plant seeds and create wildflower seed balls! Discover how plants grow and how native flowers support bees and butterflies.
-Massachusetts Horticultural Society
Hold Your Helmets
Have you ever had a concussion? Try on concussion goggles to see what it feels like. Test your skills on an obstacle course and discover how difficult everyday tasks can become.
-Boston Children's Hospital Injury Prevention
Bridges!
Check out realistic model bridges and learn what makes a bridge strong!
-Boston Society of Civil Engineers (BSCE)
In Our Energy Era
Explore energy and conservation! Learn how to save energy and money at home, and make a new bracelet for your energy era.
-Eversource
Robot Rumble
Get ready to design and build your own combat robot! Use sustainable materials, motors, wires, and batteries to bring your creation to life while exploring building, design, and iteration. Then put your robot to the test and discover the power of strategy and engineering in action.
-Guild Hall Learning
Ultimate Operation
Test your hand-eye coordination by trying to perform a surgical procedure! Use a camera to guide your movements as you grasp small items and explore how surgeons work.
-J&J DePuy Synthes
Bug Off!
Learn how to make DIY natural bug spray! Discover how some store-bought products contain harmful chemicals and how you can protect yourself and the planet by choosing alternative ingredients.
-Silent Spring
Designing for Coastal Change
Discover how waves and rising sea levels impact coastal cities like Boston! Test out different engineering solutions to help communities adapt to beach erosion and climate change.
-Stone Living Lab
*NEW* Stream Sleuths
Explore the hidden world of river bugs living in the stream! Help collect specimens with a net, take a closer look, and even identify them to discover what they reveal about stream health. Follow the journey of this waterway as it flows into Beaver Brook, the Charles River, and all the way to Boston Harbor within the Charles River Watershed.
-Charles River Watershed Association
DIY Periscope!
Use mirrors to peer around a corner! Make a periscope and learn how light reflects and refracts, and find out how your creation is similar to a microscope or a telescope.
-New England Sci Tech
Paper Tower Challenge
You’re the engineer! Build the tallest tower you can using only paper. Test your design as it stands on its own, no leaning, no support.
-Suffolk
Energy Efficient Dollhouse
This dollhouse needs your help! Improve its energy efficiency by making creative upgrades using the materials provided and explore how homes can use less energy.
-Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University
Building Blocks
Use blocks made from deconstructed buildings to design your dream home or structure! Explore architecture and engineering as you bring your ideas to life.
-SA+C Inc
*NEW* Sound Builders
Build and decorate your own Bluetooth speaker! Discover how speakers work as you explore the science of electronics and circuitry through hands-on assembly.
-Bose Corporation
*NEW* Light Up a Star
Create your own electrical circuit using a button battery, copper tape, and an LED! Light up astronomical images and explore the life cycle of a star.
-Chandra X-Ray Observatory
Download the 2026 STEM Fest Activities List>>
Volunteer supervision required for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors. Drop-off option is available for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors. Please reach out to Customer Care if you have any questions.
Note: Additional workshops will be added to the STEM Fest 2026 activity list. Please check back often for updates.