Super STEM Saturday Returns to CSUSM

Chemistry students assist a youth volunteer during the "Better Than Magic" show at Super STEM Saturday last year.

Build and launch a rocket, view the surface of the sun, simulate a surgery with the da Vinci robot, or explore virtual reality.

These are just a few of the nearly 100 hands-on, interactive activities and demonstrations that will engage nearly 15,000 attendees on Saturday, March 14 at the annual science festival Super STEM Saturday.

Held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Cal State San Marcos, this rain-or-shine event is free and open to the public. Children of all ages are invited to attend. Super STEM Saturday closes the nine-day San Diego Festival of Science and Engineering, the largest celebration of innovation and science education in Southern California.

"Jean-Jacques Rousseau once shared, 'We should not teach children the sciences, but give them a taste for them,' " said Cameron Curry, executive director for the Classical Academies. “I am so pleased that we provide the community of North County a day and festival focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The culmination of educators, organizations and professionals working together allows us to inspire minds, ignite passions, and expose students and our community to what is possible with STEM.”

Held in partnership by the Classical Academies and CSUSM, Super STEM Saturday has grown into a popular North County event that draws thousands of science enthusiasts each year to the university campus.

Coincidentally, this year Super STEM Saturday lands on Pi Day, an international celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi), which is 3.14 and therefore celebrated on 3/14. Guests can mark the special occasion with a slice of pie from San Marcos cafe and pie shop Mama Kat's, available for purchase at the festival.

“Super STEM Saturday’s purpose is to develop in everyone who attends an appreciation and understanding of the role science and engineering plays in our daily lives and how its practical applications solve critical problems and real-world issues,” said Katherine Kantardjieff, CSUSM’s dean of College of Science and Mathematics.

“What we take away from our childhood is really meaningful to what we decide to do as adults,” said Simon Kuo, vice president of Corporate Quality at Viasat, the lead sponsor of Super STEM Saturday. “That’s why we believe it’s really important to expose kids to science and technology so that it can help them better appreciate it and perhaps even choose a career in STEM.”

For more details about Super STEM Saturday, visit www.csusm.edu/superstem.

What: Super STEM Saturday, a free interactive science festival for all ages

When: Saturday, March 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: California State University San Marcos

333 S. Twin Oaks Valley Road, San Marcos

Complimentary parking in Lot F