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Museum Presents Blast into STEM: Space Science Activities

10/13/2020

JONESBORO – As part of the Arkansas Science Festival, Arkansas State University Museum will present "Blast into STEM" during the week of Oct. 20-24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

A variety of hands-on activities will engage visitors in the awe-inspiring field of space science and enable them to connect with current NASA research, according to Jill Kary, curator of education.

"Participants will be encouraged to make their own 'spin-art nebula,' build and test stomp rockets, explore star formation, consider what it might be like to mine an asteroid, and more," Kary said.

These fun endeavors introduce guests to the ongoing research at NASA in the fields of heliophysics, planetary science, and astrophysics. All activities are COVID-appropriate and include both demonstrations and hands-on opportunities designed to introduce space science concepts safely.

“In honor of the Arkansas Science Festival, our educational offerings for the week will be space themed,” Kary stated.  “Our goal is to inspire children and adults to learn more about the limitless frontier of space.”

COVID-19 safety procedures implemented by ASU Museum have been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) CARES: Cultural Organization program. The CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act was passed by Congress to help offset the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed during this week of space science activities do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.

All "Blast into STEM" learning activities were developed and distributed by the National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Net) and were paid for by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

For more details, one may contact Jill Kary, jkary@AState.edu or (870) 972-2074.

Museum opening hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and it is closed Sundays, Mondays and university holidays.

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Children enjoy STEM activity
Children enjoy educational STEM activity.