Students, parents, and educators gathered at Arroyo Vista Elementary School on Thursday, January 30, 2025, for the annual AV STEM Night, an evening of interactive science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) exhibits designed to spark curiosity and hands-on learning. The event, held from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., brought together experts from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), USC, Caltech, LA Metro, and other institutions to engage attendees in a variety of scientific explorations.
Robotics and Space Exploration Take Center Stage
A major highlight of the night was the robotics demonstrations from South Pasadena High School’s (SPHS) competitive team. Cody C., Catherine P., and Ivan L., all SPHS volunteers, presented on behalf of their team, showcasing the intricacies of designing and controlling competition-ready robots.
Nearby, Caltech researchers fascinated the crowd with their programmable robotic dogs, allowing attendees like Molly P. and Luna S. to test their movements and interactions.
In the JPL exhibit, attendees got an up-close look at the challenges of space exploration. Ada L., Kayden J., and Illy R. even got to experience what it feels like to have a mini rover drive over them, giving them a sense of the engineering behind NASA’s planetary exploration missions.
Stargazing and the Science of the Cosmos
For astronomy enthusiasts, AV STEM Night offered telescope viewings of celestial bodies, including Jupiter and its moons. Lucas F. was among the many attendees who took a look at the gas giant through a powerful telescope, guided by local astronomers who explained the features of our solar system’s largest planet.
Hands-On Learning Across Scientific Fields
Beyond space and robotics, the event featured interactive stations that engaged visitors in multiple STEM disciplines. At the Metro exhibit, a young student took the controls of a train simulation training board, experiencing what it’s like to operate an LA Metro A Line train.
Meanwhile, the concept of environmental science and mining’s impact was made tangible through an engaging activity led by teacher Brian Jehue, who helped student Otto K. carefully “mine” chocolate chips out of a cookie, illustrating the delicate balance of resource extraction.
Diverse STEM Exhibits Keep Attendees Engaged
Other standout exhibits included:
- “Sustainability Sleuths” – An interactive scavenger hunt where participants explored sustainability-themed exhibits and entered a raffle for prizes.
- “Rovers and Rockets” – JPL volunteers guided children in building and launching their own straw rockets while learning about space travel.
- “Drive a Metro Train” – A firsthand look at public transit operations through a realistic train simulation.
- “From Cells to Chromosomes” – A genetics discussion led by USC Professor Unmesh Jadhav, explaining DNA’s role in traits like eye color and food preferences.
- “Caltech Neuroscience” – A hands-on exhibit demonstrating how electrical impulses control emotions and movements.
- “Caltech Computer Science” – A showcase of coding and computational thinking through engaging activities.
Food and Community Involvement
The Windsor Hills Pizza food truck was on hand, with a portion of the night’s sales benefiting the Arroyo Vista PTA. Attendees also enjoyed complimentary hot chocolate, provided by the PTA, while mingling in the school’s lunch area.
Looking Ahead: Science Fair on February 20
For students who want to dive deeper into their scientific interests, the school encouraged participation in the upcoming Science Fair on Thursday, February 20, 2025. Organizers emphasized the importance of fostering early engagement with STEM subjects, noting that events like AV STEM Night play a crucial role in shaping young minds toward future careers in science and engineering.
A Night of Discovery and Inspiration
AV STEM Night continues to be a cornerstone event for South Pasadena’s young scientists, providing a thrilling glimpse into real-world applications of STEM and inspiring the next generation of innovators. With a mix of hands-on activities, expert-led exhibits, and community involvement, the night was a resounding success, leaving attendees eager for more opportunities to explore, create, and discover.
VISIT AV STEM NIGHT 2025 ONLINE: ScienceNight.org
Special Thanks to organizer Casey Law for providing photos and content for this article.
