Excited chatter filled the air as over 250 children, accompanied by parents, older siblings and other family members, streamed into Glenn Anthon Hall on February 8. STEM Day, a collaboration between Yakima Valley College and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), gave children the opportunity to become scientists, builders, engineers and more. Young minds eagerly explored hands-on activities, captivating presentations, and interactive workshops, all designed to ignite a passion for math, technology, science and engineering.
“I was thrilled to see so many young minds eager to explore and engage with STEM activities,” said Vanessa Tucker, YVC STEM navigator and event volunteer. “This event is such a wonderful opportunity for children in our community to experience the excitement and wonder of science, technology, engineering and math. Watching their faces light up as they experimented and discovered new concepts was truly uplifting.”
The event was also a testament to the power of community partnerships. OMSI's participation was a highlight, featuring live demonstrations and interactive science equipment that captivated both children and adults while showcasing practical applications of scientific principles.
Additional organizations partnering to provide activities for the event included Fulcrum Environmental Consulting, Inc., Washington State Department of Ecology, Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the College Success Foundation. Yakima Valley Partners for Education also supported the event by providing bus shuttle service and lunch for families in the lower Yakima Valley.
A STEM Day participant uses blocks and stuffed animals to explore physics with an
Angry Birds twist.
Ryan Mathews from Principal Fulcrum Environmental Consulting, Inc., a long-time volunteer at YVC’s STEM Day events, shared his enthusiasm for the hands-on learning opportunities provided.
"We all enjoyed the hands-on activities in school, rocks, plants, volcanoes and science fair projects,” said Mathews. “Beyond the classroom, we believe it’s valuable to have hands-on activities that reflect how science is used in real life.”
Fulcrum's contributions for this year’s event included activities demonstrating groundwater flow systems and noise dosimetry — the process of measuring a person's exposure to noise over a period of time — highlighting how scientific knowledge can affect the daily lives and activities of people and businesses.
Tina Wilson from the Washington State Department of Ecology, a participant for the past three years, expressed her commitment to giving back to the community.
Children at the 2025 STEM Day use technology to make music with bananas.
"STEM Day was always the highlight of the year. The way it brings families out to explore new things is such a fun thing to watch," said Wilson, who previously worked as a staff member at YVC for several years before taking on her current role.
Her team provided information for families living on former orchard land and how they can request soil sampling for their property to ensure that it is safe and healthy for them. They also showed how lead or arsenic can be absorbed by vegetation as part of a hands-on soil experiment to educate attendees about environmental health.
“Engaging the community and children in STEM activities is crucial, especially in contexts like former orchard lands, where the history and possibility of exposure of high levels of lead and arsenic can directly affect families,” said Wilson. “We want to come and share the information and offer free soil sampling for those interested. Information is power.”
A volunteer from OMSI blows air into a chamber containing candles and lycopodium causing
a burst of fire as kids and families look on during YVC's 2025 STEM Day.
YVC's STEM Pathway was also prominently featured with faculty demonstrations and student volunteers. Stations explored concepts centered on the disciplines of information technology, engineering, geography, chemistry, physics, mathematics and biology. Information was also shared on the various degrees and certificates available for students aspiring to careers in medicine, engineering, agriculture and research.
Jennifer Johnson from the Department of Fish and Wildlife emphasized the importance of connecting young people with nature and science. Her team brought materials about fish and wildlife the department works to protect and perpetuate, aiming to foster curiosity and a sense of stewardship among attendees.
"Our staff enjoys sharing the science and information we have about our region’s wildlife, fish and habitats. We hope to inspire students to learn more and to pursue careers in the natural sciences," said Johnson.
A group from the lower Yakima Valley enjoys STEM Day and lunch courtesy of Yakima
Valley Partners for Education.
Carter Riley Young, who volunteered for the second time at STEM Day, summed up the spirit of the event and why it annually draws so many volunteers and families.
"The STEM Club and my friends are what drove me to volunteer and attend last year,” he said. “I was most excited about spending time with the community doing a bunch of cool science activities."
“Overall, YVC's STEM Day was a resounding success, thanks to the collaborative efforts of community partners and dedicated volunteers, all working together to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers,” said Tucker. “We hope this event inspires a lifelong passion for learning and curiosity in every participant.”
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer.