STEM Day Fun Before the Ballgame

STEAM Ahead was thrilled to partner with the Boston Red Sox for their STEM Education Day on April 20, 2023. The Red Sox opened the gates to Fenway Park to welcome hundreds of students, families, and educators, from all throughout New England. As part of this event, participants visited a number of STEM-related exhibits hosted by fellow exhibitors Moderna, iRobot Education, Discovery Museum, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, Texas Instruments, amongst others.

In addition to the exhibits, participants enjoyed group activities like an egg drop from the top of the Green Monster, Live Science presentations and more. And to end the day, we all had a chance to watch the baseball game later that afternoon - the Red Sox got a big win over the Minnesota Twins!

"It's always great to be able to introduce kids of all ages to STEAM in memorable environments like Fenway Park…"

"This was STEAM Ahead's second year participating in this event and it's always great to be able to introduce kids of all ages to STEAM in memorable environments like Fenway Park", said Loren Paul, STEAM Ahead Co-Founder. She continued, "To join forces with impactful organizations, who share our mission to advance STEM/STEAM education, is a highlight for us."

This year's theme for our exhibit was the MLB Baseball Combine, where students participated in interactive activities that simulated baseball training drills. One activity was a homerun simulator that allowed kids to test their hand-eye coordination. Another activity tested speed and agility through a baserunning drill and our third activity tested balance and coordination with a dance/footwork simulator.

"We intentionally designed each activity utilizing accessible technologies and supplies…"

To build all of our Combine activities we utilized Scratch, Chromebooks, Makey Makey kits, rubber base pads and other simple household items. "We intentionally designed each activity utilizing accessible technologies and supplies with the hope that these kids are inspired to replicate them at home and continue exploring", said Alix Holder, STEAM Ahead Co-Founder.

After completing all of our exhibit activities, kids received STEM Kits as a prize, via a generous donation from Analog Devices.

Special thanks goes to the entire Red Sox organization, and especially Seth Shuman for extending the opportunity to us. We also would like to thank some of our school and community partners for joining us at the event: