A NASA astronaut who piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia will headline a community event in Salina, Kansas. The event, titled “Liftoff to STEAM,” is open to students, families, and residents and is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kansas Wesleyan University.
The highlight of the event will be a presentation by astronaut Duane “Digger” Carey, an Air Force veteran who piloted the Space Shuttle Columbia during the STS-109 mission in 2002. Carey will share stories from his time in space during his presentation at Sam’s Chapel at 10 a.m.
After Carey’s talk, attendees are invited to explore the STEAM Community Showcase in Muir Gym from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The showcase will feature interactive activities led by local organizations aimed at sparking curiosity and fostering learning through exploration. Participants, including children and families, will have the chance to engage with various STEAM-related topics, take part in hands-on activities, and discover the initiatives advancing STEAM opportunities in the community. The showcase will also include giveaways and food trucks available for purchase.
Pam Kraus, the Liftoff to STEAM coordinator, expressed excitement about Carey’s involvement. “Following Digger’s presentation, the community will have an opportunity to experience hands-on activities and learn how STEAM is used in careers across our community,” said Kraus. “STEAM encourages students to be curious, think critically, and see how different subjects connect to the world around them.”
The event is a collaborative effort among several community partners, including Salina Public Library, Kansas Wesleyan University, Smoky Hill Education Service Center, Fili Creative, STARBASE Salina, Earl Bane Foundation, and the Pat Mullen Fund of the Greater Salina Community Foundation.
Liftoff to STEAM is designed to be accessible for learners of all ages, offering opportunities to ask questions, experiment, create, and discover in a fun and engaging environment. The event seeks to emphasize that learning extends beyond the classroom.
