The Maryland STEM Festival’s mission is to encourage all students regardless of background and experience to take a greater interest in STEM with the hope they will pursue a STEM related/focused career.
A conversation with Phil Rogofsky, Executive Director.
What is the Maryland STEM Festival (MSF)?
The Festival runs an annual collection of events across Maryland that celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. We provide opportunities for all students to learn about different areas of STEM. The 2022 Festival will take place from October 14th through November 14th. We have chosen Cybersecurity and Information Technology as our 2022 theme. These are very large and diverse segments of the Maryland economy.
While some see STEM in a very narrow light, MSF sees STEM in the broadest of terms. We see it including all areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. That means, it may include robotics, agriculture, architecture, manufacturing, biotechnology, zoology, construction or cybersecurity. We see STEM is every aspect of life. We feel many people do not realize all the ways they interact with STEM.
How did the Maryland STEM Festival begin?
The Festival began after attending the 1st USA Science and Engineering Festival. I did a small event at my children’s school in Columbia, Maryland. This grew into the Howard County STEM Festival. From there, it grew to the Maryland STEM Festival.
It is a month-long celebration of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics designed to advance STEM and STEAM education. Students have the opportunity to experience engineering, mathematics, science, and technology at work through curriculum provided by regional schools, colleges, and corporations. All events focused on advancing math and science and encouraging students to pursue STEM or STEAM careers.
What makes the Maryland STEM festival unique?
In Frederick, the strong sense of community has helped us to become one of the few state-wide Science or STEM Festivals in the US. We have a strong focus on inspiring students to learn more about STEM and follow STEM career paths.
Tell us about the STEM Parade in Frederick.
It’s just like any other parade, but OURS creatively showcases the excitement around and career-viability of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math! Viewers will enjoy contingents of robots, marching bands, soap box derby cars, and so much more! The parade is on November 5th starting at 9 am.
Our inaugural STEM Parade was held in 2019 at Bowie State University, and this year’s parade will launch from West Frederick Middle School and wind its way to Baker Park, where there will be a pop-up festival showcasing various STEM-related activities and organizations!
There are countless ways to participate:
- Holding signs, banners and posters supporting STEM
- Wearing STEM related clothes , hat, and costumes
- Get TWO uses out of your Halloween costume if it was in any way STEM-related!
- Decorating your vehicle
- Holding, carrying, or guiding robots, drones, or microscopes
- STEM is all about being creative, so come up with an original to show why you love Science, Technology, Engineering or Math!
Learn more about the parade and how to participate here.
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