901STEM brings hands-on science to ILS STEAM Night
What happens when you bring together more than 50 curious kids, four hands-on science experiments, and a room full of enthusiasm?
A whole lot of discovery!
On November 5, 901STEM joined the Immanuel Lutheran School (ILS) community for an exciting evening of exploration at STEAM Night. Students became scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers as they rotated through four interactive experiment stations designed to encourage curiosity, creativity, and hands-on learning.
Four Stations. Endless Curiosity.
Our volunteers guided students through four experiments, each exploring a different scientific principle.
Volcano Eruption: Chemistry in Action
Students explored chemical reactions by creating their own volcanic eruptions. Using familiar ingredients, they discovered how combining substances can produce gas and create a dramatic eruption.
The big idea: Chemistry is all about how substances interact and change.
Foil Boat Challenge: Think Like an Engineer
Armed with aluminum foil and a collection of metal washers, students faced a deceptively simple challenge: Build a boat that can hold as much weight as possible without sinking.
Students experimented with different designs, tested their creations, and discovered how shape, buoyancy, and weight distribution affect whether something floats.
The big idea: Engineering is a process of designing, testing, learning, and improving.
Elephant Toothpaste: A Foamy Chemical Reaction
One of the evening’s most dramatic demonstrations showed how a chemical reaction can produce an impressive eruption of foam.
Students explored how catalysts help speed up chemical reactions and saw firsthand how quickly chemistry can transform everyday materials.
The big idea: Some chemical reactions happen much faster when a catalyst is introduced.
Iodine Clock: The Science of Timing
At our iodine clock station, students witnessed a surprising chemical transformation as a seemingly clear solution suddenly changed color.
This experiment introduced students to reaction rates and the factors that influence how quickly chemical changes occur.
The big idea: Chemical reactions happen at different speeds, and understanding why helps scientists predict and control them.
When Science Doesn’t Go According to Plan
One of the best parts of the evening was the enthusiasm of the students. They didn’t just want to watch — they wanted to participate! Throughout the night, students eagerly jumped into activities, asked thoughtful questions, and demonstrated the kind of curiosity that makes hands-on STEM learning so rewarding.
And as it turns out, our volunteers got a science lesson of their own.
Two of our experiments unexpectedly stopped working during the event!
Rather than calling it quits, our team did exactly what scientists and engineers do every day: stopped, observed, analyzed what might be going wrong, and worked through possible solutions. With some quick thinking and troubleshooting, both experiments were back on track.
It was a wonderful reminder that science doesn’t always go as planned — and that’s part of the adventure.
As the legendary Ms. Frizzle from The Magic School Bus famously said:
“Take chances, make mistakes, get messy!”
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
Science Is for Everyone
At 901STEM, we believe meaningful STEM experiences should be accessible to every student, regardless of their experience level, confidence, or learning style.
Science isn’t about getting the right answer on the first try. It’s about asking questions, testing ideas, discovering what doesn’t work, and having the confidence to try again.
That’s why our workshops offer multiple ways to participate, with opportunities to observe, ask questions, experiment, collaborate, and learn through doing.
Whether students were building boats, exploring chemical reactions, or watching a dramatic demonstration, the goal was the same: help every child see themselves as someone who can explore and succeed in STEM.
And sometimes, the most important scientific discovery is simply realizing, “I can do this!”
Thank You, ILS!
We’re grateful to Immanuel Lutheran School for inviting 901STEM to be part of this special evening, and to the families, educators, and volunteers who helped make it possible.
Most importantly, thank you to the more than 50 young explorers who brought their curiosity, creativity, and enthusiasm to our experiment stations.
We can’t wait to see what you’ll discover next!
Help Us Bring STEM to More Students
Events like ILS STEAM Night are exactly why 901STEM exists.
We’re a volunteer-led nonprofit working to make engaging, inclusive, hands-on STEM learning accessible to students throughout the 901.
Your support helps us bring these experiences to more schools, community organizations, and young learners — at no cost to participating students.
Get Involved or Support Our Mission
901STEM — Making STEM accessible to every curious mind.