FAQ
Got Questions? We've Got Answers!
If you have any questions that aren't listed, please email us or visit the contact section at the bottom of our homepage. We will try to respond as soon as possible.
WHEN IS THE STEAM FAIR? HOW OFTEN DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
Typically, each fair is held each year around November 8th, National STEAM/STEM Day. This year (2020), however, we have planned two by the request of one of the students who visited our first one last year. It has not yet been determined if we will continue to have two each year.
WHERE IS THE STEAM DREAM FAIR HELD?
Each fair is held at a school willing to host it; for example, our first fair was held at Jefferson Elementary School. However, we are holding fairs virtually for the time-being, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE ONLINE FAIR IF I CAN'T FIND THE LINK?
You can access our virtual STEAM Dream Fair activities from the Online Fair page of the website.
WHAT KINDS OF EVENTS ARE AT THE FAIRS?
Each event at the STEAM Dream fair is managed by either student organizations like the National Honor Society, Science Olympiad, Girl Scouts, and FIRST Robotics. The activities range from creating bottle rockets to learning about diversity in STEAM and more. The goal of each activity is to demonstrate how each aspect of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) is applicable to a student’s interests and everyday life, thus giving them a greater appreciation for these and other subjects. Some stations have prizes or candy to reward students with as well, making the experience more engaging and enjoyable.
WHO IS INVITED TO THE FAIRS?
We focus on inviting students from Title I schools to the fairs, as well as students from schools near the chosen location. Parents are required to come with their children for the purpose of supervision.
WHO CAN VOLUNTEER AT THE FAIRS?
We focus on several student-led activities but invite scientists, professors, and college students to volunteer as well if they would like to share their knowledge and experience in STEAM. If anyone is interested in hosting an appropriate station for the fair, they may contact us via email with a detailed description of their idea and who they want to help assist them at the station.
SHOULD I BRING ANYTHING WITH ME TO THE FAIR?
We accept non-perishable food items as admission to the fair to be donated to local food pantries, but if you do not have these items upon entry, you will still be able to participate in the fair. Nothing else is required for a visitor’s entry, but there will be postcards and photo consent and release forms at the front desk upon arrival.
ARE REFRESHMENTS OFFERED AT THE FAIR?
Usually, snacks and water will be offered, and occasionally there may also be food trucks available on-site for visitors to take a lunch break if desired.
HOW DO YOU USE THE SURVEYS AT THE FAIRS?
Every visitor is asked to complete a brief, optional survey before leaving the fair. We use the surveys to determine what aspects of our fairs are effective or ineffective and to determine what could be improved. It also helps us determine what stations could be added to the fair that interest students.
WHY DO WE NEED TO SIGN PHOTO CONSENT AND RELEASE FORMS?
We take pictures of the activities and people involved in the fairs to post to our website and in the newspaper. However, not all students and parents may want their pictures posted online or in the media. People who do not sign the forms may still attend the fair but will receive a special sticker to communicate their decision to photographers.
HOW CAN I HAVE A STEAM DREAM FAIR AT MY SCHOOL?
If you are interested in having an event at your school, you may contact us at steamdreamfair@gmail.com. Please list any important facilities your school may have like computer labs, gyms, auditoriums, and outdoor fields so we can determine what events would be a good fit for your school’s fair.
HOW CAN I DONATE TO THE STEAM DREAM?
If we are in need of funds, we typically will host fundraisers, either independently, or through school clubs like ECG Robotics. If you spot us, feel free to give us a donation. These funds go toward payment for facilities, prizes, refreshments, and materials for the activities at the fair. Currently, we do not have a method to accept funds through the website, but this feature may be available in the future.