Children dressed as superheroes and princesses participated in science experiments at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds during the sixth annual Science Spooktacular event. This year’s event, organized by the E3 Robotics Center, marked the first occasion that admission was completely free.
The Science Spooktacular provided an array of hands-on STEM activities, including flight simulators, games, and demonstrations. A highlight of the day was a live animal show, which captured the attention of many attendees.
“You know, when we learn to take care of the wild, we learn to take care of each other, too,” said Amazon John, a “funologist” with Silly Safaris, emphasizing the importance of wildlife education.
Robotics were also a significant focus of the event. Jared Nowak, head of robotics at Babsco Inc., expressed a vision for the future of robotics: “I really hope in the future we get to work with robots that are reactive to sound and touch and feel a little bit more like they see you versus just an animate thing.” Babsco has participated in the event for several years.
Nowak noted the value of engaging with children, saying, “We get to work with the kids and get them to ask us questions about robotics and other interests, and maybe spark a little fire in them to get things going for their future.”
The event also fostered community partnerships, including collaboration with the Goshen Fire Department. Firefighter Christian Roman outlined their focus on fire safety, explaining, “We teach kids what happens if there’s a fire in their home; they stay low, and as they crawl through the house, they learn different types of safety.”
The Science Spooktacular effectively combined elements of Halloween festivities with educational experiences, illustrating that science is an integral part of everyday life.
For further information about the E3 Robotics Center, visit their official website.
