Kids’ Science and Engineering Day, an annual carnival-style event, allows young children in the area to learn about the STEM fields.

Senior bioengineering major Maddie Newberry is the head organizer for the event, which is hosted by the Society of Women Engineers. She said she believes exposing children to topics in the STEM fields at such a young age will help inspire them later in life.

“When I was in elementary school, we had a similar event,” Newberry recalled. “Once a year all classes were paused and a whole day was dedicated to science. I’d say that event is a big reason why I’m an engineering student today. That event sparked my interest in STEM, so I want to be able to give back to the kids.”

Thirty on-campus organizations are working together to make Kids’ Science and Engineering Day a success. Each club or organization sets up a booth and an activity that will teach the children about something specific to that organization.

For example, the Biomedical Engineering Society will track eye movement, and the Automotive Enthusiast Club will demonstrate how hydraulics work.

Junior mechanical engineering major Brett Williams has been a part of the event for two years. Even if the children don’t end up in STEM, he said, this event will still be beneficial.

“Kids’ Science and Engineering Day helps kids get to understand the world and what’s out there and the possibilities,” Williams said. “Even if they’re not going to be STEM majors, they’ll be able to understand pulleys and more of the behind-the-scenes parts of life that we take for granted.”

The event will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the CUE. Children in kindergarten through fifth grade are eligible to participate, as long as they have a parent with them. Tickets are available online ahead of time for $5 per child or $10 per family with more than two children, and at the door for $10 per child or $15 per family with more than two children.

“This is all about the kids, anyone who’s involved will say that,” Newberry said. “I love watching the kids when they’re inspired by something. I love that light, that spark, when they see something new for the first time.”

Correction: A previous version of this article misidentified the location of the Kids’ Science and Engineering Day as Sloan Hall.