Students, families and classes are invited to explore the fun of S.T.E.A.M. (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) activities during Imaginology, a free event at OC Fair & Event Center April 21-23, 2017. This exciting, three-day exploration of STEAM is the perfect environment for curious people of all ages to discover the opportunities available in the STEAM fields. Students are encouraged to explore the possibilities as they learn through hands-on workshops and exhibits.
Family-friendly activities and competitions for Imaginology include:
Workshops and makeshops: Students can participate in activities including woodworking, sewing, creative crafting, tech play, ceramics, cardboard building projects, crocheting and more. Local professionals and Imaginology staff lead the demonstrations and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided. Participants can take home the crafts and artwork they create.
Youth competitions: Budding scientists and artists will showcase their talents in photography, videography, fiber arts, fine art, poetry, science and engineering divisions. Competitions include 3-D printing, computer-generated art, fashion design, drawing, kinetic art, clay crafting, wood and metal art and more. All competitions are free to enter and open to Orange County students. The entry registration deadline is March 24. Project delivery day is April 13.
Free family & group contests: Family members and friends can team up at Imaginology to compete in onsite contests to decorate the best sawhorse or scarecrow on Saturday, April 22. There are awards and prize money. It’s free to enter and basic materials (sawhorse, scarecrow, clothing and some decorations) will be provided but teams are encouraged to bring their own decorations to make their entry unique. Visit ocfair.com/steam for details.
MIND Research Institute: Enjoy interactive and innovative activities that make learning math exciting, interesting and fun. Families and students can try cool games and get involved in activities such as Blockopolis, Ice Caves, Conic Connections, Code Breaker and Math & Golf.
Centennial Farm: Guests can check out animals and crops on the three-acre working farm and enjoy free tractor rides, an oxen exhibit, blacksmithing, sheep-shearing demonstrations, radish-seed planting, terrarium-making and the OC Beekeepers exhibit.
4-H competitions: Local youth are judged on their abilities to raise small livestock, their understanding of animal and veterinary sciences and their projects on community service, aerospace, electricity and more.
Vital Link STEM + the Arts Career Showcase: Vital Link provides resources to help students discover and consider professional careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) with exciting competitive displays, workshops and competitions.
More free activities: Exhibitors will offer things to do and see including Wild Science Activity Area, Agventureland kids’ area and family-friendly entertainment.
Imaginology will be open Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission is free. Parking is free on Friday and will be $8 on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is field trip day and is open to the public. Schools and large groups of 10 or more are encouraged to register, but it is not required. For more information about Imaginology, please visit here.