Event Report 2024 - 2025

Event Summary

This report provides a summary of the events organized by SIOC, including the number of participants, number of volunteers, and volunteer hours per event. 

Fall 2024 

Junior Scientist:

Science in our Community (SIOC) hosted an engaging science event for 4th-grade students called “Hide n' Seek with Nature” on September 14, 2024. This hands-on experience invited young learners to explore ecosystems, track animals, identify birds in their own backyards, and discover various animal homes. The event was led by Dr. Laurisa Hamilton, Ms. Jaime Rudd, Ms. Madeleine Yancy, and the Stan State STEM Ambassadors, offering students a fun and educational journey into the wonders of nature. 

Stockton Family Day:

We joined the Stockton Campus at The Record’s Literacy & Book Fair® at Weber Point, where Science in our Community hosted a table filled with engaging STEM activities for kids and families. The event featured interactive booths, themed zones such as Creative Corner and Healthy Highway, and all-day entertainment on two stages, creating a vibrant celebration of learning, creativity, and community spirit. President Ellis-Rios participated in our activities, and our presence was proudly featured in STAN Magazine. 

Picture Perfect Chemistry: 

Science In Our Community in collaboration with the Chemistry Club hosted “Picture Perfect Chemistry” for 6th–8th graders, where students explored invisible inks and created anthotype prints using turmeric. It was a hands-on lab experience with safety rules in place of course. 
Brett Harte Elementary STEAM Saturday: Bret Harte Elementary hosted an exciting Saturday STEAM Academy, where young minds explored the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in action! As part of the event, a STEM Ambassador from Stanislaus State led an interactive cell baggie model demonstration for three enthusiastic groups of students—reaching approximately 60 future scientists in total. Students got hands-on experience modeling how cells function, sparking curiosity and deepening their understanding of biology in a fun and memorable way. Events like these help build the foundation for tomorrow’s innovators! 

Delhi Medical Academy/Lab Experience:

Science in Our Community hosted an inspiring event for high school students from Delhi, spotlighting pathways into the medical industry through higher education. Students explored how Stanislaus State can be a launchpad for careers in healthcare, from nursing to biomedical research. Each lab experience was led by STEM Ambassadors and College of Science Faculty from Stan State and UC Merced. The highlight of the event was a powerful keynote by Dr. Shiva Niakan—a breast cancer surgeon, Stan State alumna, and former STEM Ambassador—who shared her journey from student to surgeon. Her story lit a spark in future healthcare heroes.  

Astronomy Night:

Science in Our Community hosted an exciting “Astronomy Night” that brought the universe a little closer to home. Families and space enthusiasts of all ages came together to explore the cosmos through a variety of hands-on activities. Guests launched straw rockets, created moon phase models using Oreos, and experimented with shock wave demonstrations. Telescopes were set up by the pond and on the rooftop, offering breathtaking views of the night sky. The event encouraged curiosity, learning, and fun in a safe, family-friendly environment, with minors attending alongside their guardians. 

Design Thinking Camp:

Science in Our Community hosted an engaging “Problem Solving with Design Thinking” workshop tailored for 6th–8th grade students at Stanislaus State. This hands-on experience introduced students to the core principles of design thinking, empowering them to tackle real-world problems with creativity and logic. Led by Dr. Kyu Han Koh and the dedicated STEM Ambassadors, participants explored how structured problem-solving can be applied in future coding camps and STEM challenges. The sessions emphasized critical thinking, collaboration, and innovation, all within a supportive and interactive environment. Spots were limited and filled quickly, highlighting the strong interest in early STEM education. 

Trans-California Pathway:

The Trans-California Pathway Project welcomed participants of all backgrounds to join a series of spring meetups hosted by Wayne and Donna Pierce. Volunteers came together to pick up trash, remove invasive weeds, prune overgrown branches, and plant new seedlings—all while building community and enjoying the outdoors. No botanical experience was needed, just a willingness to help and connect. (This is a fall and Spring ongoing event). 

Bird Walk:

Science in Our Community hosted an engaging “Bird Walks” event at Stanislaus State, welcoming participants of all ages to explore the natural world right on campus. Led by Dr. Laurissa Hamilton, attendees joined guided bird surveys, learned the basics of bird identification, and discovered the natural history of local species while enjoying a scenic campus tour. The event offered a unique blend of science, nature, and community connection. (This is a fall and Spring ongoing event). 

Spring 2025 

Science Day:

The 13th Annual Science Day at Stanislaus State transformed the campus into a vibrant hub of discovery, creativity, and hands-on learning! Hosted by Science in Our Community, the event featured dozens of interactive exhibits and activities spread across Naraghi Hall, the Science One Building, the Greenhouse, the Event Center, and outdoor spaces like the Trans-California Pathway and Sustainable Garden. 

Visitors of all ages explored: 

•    DNA extraction, forensic science, and human anatomy
•    Physics and chemistry demos, including magic milk, invisible ink, and mass spectrometry
•    Bird biology, pollinator gardens, and native plant hunts
•    Robotics in nursing, 3D printing, and coding haunted mansions
•    Slime-making, giant block engineering, and exploding color experiments for kids
•    Community booths from organizations like the Turlock Mosquito Abatement District, San Luis Wildlife Refuge, and College Corps

Families collected stamps in their Science Day Passports, posed at the selfie wall, and enjoyed food, giveaways, and live demonstrations. The event brought together faculty, students, local organizations, and volunteers to celebrate science in all its forms. 

Junior Scientist:

Science in Our Community proudly hosted Junior Scientist Saturday, a dynamic STEM experience designed especially for 4th grade students. The event invited young learners to step into the shoes of real scientists through a series of hands-on, curiosity-driven activities. Students explored the world of electrical circuits, experimented with wind power, and even built their own robots, all while learning the science behind how these technologies work. The event encouraged problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking, giving students a fun and memorable introduction to the world of science and engineering. With limited spots available, the event filled quickly—highlighting the growing excitement around early STEM education. It was a day of discovery, inspiration, and future innovation. 

Physics Masterclass:

Science in Our Community hosted a captivating Particle Physics Masterclass at Stanislaus State, where participants explored the frontiers of modern physics. Attendees engaged in interactive demos, hands-on activities, and Q&A sessions that introduced them to the fascinating world of particle physics research. The event offered valuable resources for those eager to dive deeper into the subject and inspired curiosity about the universe at its most fundamental level. 

Scratch Coding Camp:

Science in Our Community hosted an exciting and interactive Scratch Coding Camp for 3rd to 5th grade students at Stanislaus State! Led by Dr. Koh and the dedicated STEM Ambassadors, young learners dove into the world of programming through fun, hands-on activities designed to introduce them to foundational coding concepts. Participants explored topics like methods, data types, and algorithms, all while using Scratch, a beginner-friendly visual programming language that makes learning to code both accessible and engaging. With only 20 spots available, the camp provided a focused and supportive environment where students could build their confidence, creativity, and problem-solving skills. It was a fantastic opportunity for kids to discover the power of technology and take their first steps toward becoming future innovators! 

Event Data