An amazing day of hands-on fun and learning is returning to Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on Saturday, June 9. TouchTomorrow, a festival of science, technology, and robots, gives families and kids of all ages the chance to experiment with and explore different aspects of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through interactive activities and exhibits. The free, family-friendly event will be held, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on campus.
“TouchTomorrow showcases WPI as a hub of innovation and as an institution committed to investing in the future of STEM education,” said Nicole Anterni, director of sponsorship and events at WPI. “The hands-on activities and demonstrations are designed to excite the budding young scientist or engineer as well as introduce those already on the STEM path to new and exciting research and technologies. There really is something for everyone.”
Returning for a fifth year, WGBH, a national leader in the effort to expand STEM in the classroom and at home, will serve as the official media partner for the festival. WGBH Director of STEM Education Rachel Connolly will lead a presentation on upcoming space events, including meteor sightings and NASA activities. WGBH will also present its popular NOVA education exhibits and Design Squad challenge. This year’s challenge asks teams to build their own wind turbines that can lift heavy objects.
Also presenting at TouchTomorrow are David Clark Company, known as a pioneer in space suit technology; U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development & Engineering Center (NSRDEC), which is developing and testing new material systems for soldiers; and General Electric.
TouchTomorrow highlights:
- Match wits with Alli Ross, WPI Class of 2020, who competed on the Jeopardy! 2018 College Championship.
- Witness logic defied with Mad Science’s “Bed of Nails.”
- Explore the chilling effects of liquid nitrogen and cryogenics.
- See how heart tissue can grow on spinach leaves—WPI research that was recently featured on Bill Nye Saves the World.
- Tour the fire protection engineering, robotics engineering, and biomedical engineering labs at WPI’s Gateway Park.
- Watch a live experience with exotic animals with adventure guides from Animal Adventures.
- Engage in hands-on activities in biology, math, cybersecurity, chemistry, and biochemistry under the direction of WPI faculty members and students.
- Talk with WPI researchers who are exploring advanced manufacturing, experimental economics, learning sciences, materials sciences, robotics engineering, and more.
- Learn about WPI student project work in robotics, game design and animation, and architectural engineering, among other areas.
- Take part in a smart phone scavenger hunt, designed by students in WPI’s Interactive Media and Game Development program.
Media wishing to cover the event or do a preview story should contact Colleen Wamback at cbwamback@wpi.edu or 508-688-4858.
