SCHRIEVER SPACE FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Local students and military families explored science, technology, engineering and mathematics at Schriever Space Force Base’s first STEM Carnival, held in celebration of Month of the Military Child on April 25, 2025.
The event, organized by Abigayle Hahn, 50th Force Support Squadron school liaison program manager, featured more than a dozen hands-on activities designed to engage students and highlight real-world STEM applications.
“We wanted to spark curiosity at an early age,” Hahn said. “The more exposure kids get to STEM while they’re young, the more likely they are to develop a lasting interest in it.”
The event included interactive science experiments, engineering challenges and educational demonstrations from both on- and off-base partners. Demonstrations included dry ice experiments, hands-on chemistry and solar viewing activities.
Additional stations included fingerprinting and equipment demonstrations by 50th Security Forces, equipment showcases from the fire department, and STEM crafts led by Head, Heart, Hands and Health volunteers. The outdoor recreation team hosted robot-painting with Spheros and constructed obstacle courses for larger programmable bots. District 49’s Mission DNA bus served as a mobile, math-based learning lab. Kids also experimented with Ozobots — color-coded robots that respond to drawn commands — and UV bead kits that react to sunlight.
Attendees received “STEM Passports” stamped at each station, with those completing all activities entered into a prize raffle.
“The passport and prizes are great, but what I really hope is that each kid walks away having learned something new — something that sticks with them,” Hahn said.
While this was Schriever’s first STEM Carnival, Hahn hopes it will become an annual tradition. “Giving kids a fun meaningful experience is something we should continue to grow,” Hahn said.