Presidential Award for Excellence in Math and Science presents the
Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair
Empower. Inspire. Transform. Unleashing the Power of STEM Education.
Empower. Inspire. Transform. Unleashing the Power of STEM Education.
Thank you all for a great 2025 MA Teacher STEM Fair!!
You can find pictures from the event, the post survey and resources from the table hosts on the STEM Fair 2025 Resources tab at the top of this page.
We hope you found inspiration, excitement and connections to bring back to your classrooms.
Join educators from all content areas for a dynamic, hands-on event designed to spark inspiration and innovation. Explore interactive STEM lessons, connect with statewide STEM organizations, and discover fresh ideas to energize your classroom.
Empower yourself as an educator—and ignite your students' curiosity for a future driven by innovation. Let’s transform education together through the power of STEM! #STEMStartsNow
Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025
Location: Gillette Stadium Cross Insurance Club
One Patriot Place Foxborough, MA 02035
Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Cost: FREE
8:45 am: Registration Begins
Location: Gillette Stadium Cross Insurance Club
9:15 am - 10:00 am: Keynote Presentation in the Gillette Stadium Cross Insurance Club
10:00 am - 1:00 pm: STEM Tables Exhibit
Location: Gillette Stadium Cross Insurance Club
Explore interactive exhibits and engage in hands-on activities hosted by educators, organizations, and industry professionals. These STEM Tables will offer participants of all ages a chance to dive into real-world STEM concepts and innovations in a fun, approachable way.
Extend Your Day at Gillette Stadium – Included with STEM Fair Admission!
Thanks to the generous sponsorship from The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX
As a special bonus for STEM Fair attendees, you’ll receive free access to two of Gillette Stadium’s most exciting attractions—just show your STEM Fair wristband for entry!
10:00 am - 5:00 pm: The Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX
Thanks to their sponsorship, admission to The Hall is completely free for all STEM Fair attendees! Step into an interactive museum that brings Patriots history to life—celebrating legendary players, unforgettable plays, and six Super Bowl victories. With immersive exhibits, hands-on activities, and cutting-edge displays, it’s a must-visit for football fans and curious minds alike.
11:00 am - 5:00 pm: Visit the Gillette Stadium Light House
Also included with your STEM Fair wristband, the newly reimagined Gillette Stadium Lighthouse is the tallest “lighthouse” in the U.S., standing 22 stories above the playing field. Take the elevator to the Lookout—an open-air, 360-degree observation deck with panoramic views of Gillette Stadium, the surrounding region, and even the Boston and Providence skylines. It’s a one-of-a-kind photo opportunity and an unforgettable way to cap off your day at the Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair.
*The Lighthouse is currently scheduled to be open regular hours during the STEM fair. Hours of operation are subject to change as the Lighthouse may be closed for ticketed or private events.
A proud public school graduate, Julie Carrick Dalton is the Boston-based author of Waiting for the Night Song and The Last Beekeeper. She is the winner of the New Hampshire Writers' Project's People's Choice Award for Best Novel, and a finalist for the Massachusetts Book Award and the Siskiyou Prize for Environmental Literature. Her third novel, The Forest Becomes Her, will be released in 2026. A former beekeeper and organic farmer, she is a frequent speaker on the topic of fiction in the age of climate crisis at universities, museums, and conferences nationally and internationally. She is on the faculty of Drexel University's Creative Writing MFA program and recently served as an adjunct instructor at Tufts University, where she taught Climate Fiction & Activism. She is currently serving as the Writer in Residence at the University of Delaware. When she isn't reading or writing, you can usually find Julie skiing, swimming, kayaking, or working in her pollinator garden.
Our featured speakers are statewide leaders in STEM education.
Born in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Mr. Martinez moved to Chicago with his family at the age of 5 and credits education with changing the trajectory of his life. The oldest of 12 children, he was the first in his family to graduate from high school and college. Mr. Martinez has spent more than two decades in systems leadership, including 12 years as a superintendent. As a data-driven leader with in-depth knowledge of academic reform strategies, he firmly believes that with the right supports, students can and will rise to any challenge and that by setting the bar high, more young people will aspire to perform at higher levels and be prepared for success in college, career, and civic life.
Anne was born in Connecticut to parents who immigrated from Peru, and her passion for STEM began when her family discovered that math could bridge language and cultural gaps. With over 20 years of experience in engineering, education, and organizational leadership, Anne brings a unique perspective to her work in STEM education. She played a key role in developing Massachusetts’ Digital Literacy and Computer Science (DLCS) Framework and currently leads STEM initiatives. Anne is committed to ensuring all students have access to equitable, engaging STEM education. She believes in the power of teachers and families to ignite curiosity and confidence in every learner.
Explore a wide range of hands-on activities led by STEM organizations and PAEMST awardees. These interactive tables are designed to engage educators and provide practical resources to bring back to your classrooms. Each activity offers unique insights and tools to inspire the next generation of problem solvers and innovators. Join us in discovering creative and innovative ways to integrate STEM concepts into your teaching.
Create Bravely: Story-Powered, Engineering Design & Fabrication, and Computational Thinking (PreK-5)
Enjoy this opportunity to get hands-on with FabMaker Studio, a digital engineering design and fabrication program that focuses on 3D printing/paper prototyping for PreK-8. Plus, working with our partners at the non-proft TERC (aka Technical Education Research Centers, the Mass-based non-profit focused on improving mathematics and science education,) attendees will sample the fun of the Zoombinis Club, a collection of collaborative activities to introduce computational thinking skills before participants hop online to play the award-winning, research-based Zoombinis logic puzzle game.
To learn more go to: www.reynoldsTLC.org
Igniting Collaboration and Curiosity with LEGO Education
Experience learning solutions designed to empower students and teachers, build deeper understanding and engagement, and ignite a life-long love of learning. Join us for a hands-on activity using LEGO Education solutions!
To learn more go to: www.LEGOeducation.com
The New England Free Jacks Rugby Team
The three-time major league rugby champion New England Free Jacks are thrilled to be a part of this year's STEM Fair. Educators will learn how to merge the excitement of maor league sports with their science and math curriculums.
The team values partnering with schools and families as they continue to model great sportsmanship and community spirit!
To learn more go to: https://freejacks.com
Empowering the Next Generation of STEM Leaders Through Public Media
At GBH, Boston's public media station, we create engaging, high-quality educational media that sparks curiosity, builds confidence, and helps kids navigate the world around them. From playful preschool programs to dynamic digital resources for middle and high schoolers, our STEM content reaches millions of children, parents, and educators—free of charge—ensuring that every child, no matter where they live, has access to learning that inspires a lifetime of possibilities. Visit our table to try a couple of hands-on STEM activities, see our media-rich resources tailored to the classroom, and take home GBH and PBS swag!
To learn more go to: https://www.wgbh.org/foundation/kids-education
Patriots Hall of Fame presented by RTX Education
The Evolution of the Football Helmet. Learn how football helmet design has evolved over the past 100 years by examining a variety of helmets from different time periods, from a reproduction of an early leather helmet through a modern SpeedFlex, F7 and Guardian Cap. Learn about the Patriots Hall of Fame’s educational activities including STEM-based field trips, MA STEM Teacher of the Year and Read Between the Lines
To learn more go to: www.patriotshalloffame.com
Edward M. Kennedy Institute: STEM Literacy is Civic Literacy
Increasingly, STEM literacy is a necessary component of civic literacy. Learn about how the Kennedy Institute works with students to explore the intersection of science, new technologies, civic life, and legislation. Information about classroom resources, and facilitated programs is available at our table.
Girls Who Code
Design your own gaming character (and learn all about our free curricula, programs, and resources) with Girls Who Code! Our programming on coding, game design, cybersecurity, and AI is designed to support all educators, volunteers and students - no experience necessary.
Learn to Drive with TI!
Learn to Drive and Fly with TI! Participants will learn how to quickly code on a TI calculator to drive a robotics vehicle and/or fly a CoDrone. No experience necessary! TI has been a leader in STEM education technology for over 30 years, empowering teachers and inspiring students to succeed in mathematics and science. Through our calculators, coaching and classroom resources, TI Education Technology is transforming the way teachers teach and students learn STEM.
USPTO Resources: Intellectual Property Tools for Educators
The United States Patent and Trademark Office has a number of resources to assist educators and students in intellectual property and invention education. Participants will be introduced to free resources from the USPTO and a hands-on activity from lesson plans associated with our free inventor collectible trading cards.
Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Members
If you are looking for free aerospace/STEM lesson plans, activities, textbooks, products, and programs to use in any classroom or after-school or enrichment program, we hope CAP will have something to help you! Visit our table to try out some of the STEM kits that will be available for teachers and learn about how you can take a free flight in a CAP Cessna every year with your Aerospace Education Membership!
To learn more go to: https://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/programs/aerospace-education/join-as-an-aem
Fintastic White Sharks
The Atlantic White Shark Conservancy offers hands-on, standards-based programs for students in grades K–12, connecting them to ongoing white shark research and conservation. Stop by our table to learn more about White Shark senses, anatomy and adaptations that make them the apex predator of New England Waters.
To learn more go to: https://www.atlanticwhiteshark.org
Engineering Landing Pads and Exploring MATLAB Interactives to Collect Bounce Height Data
Use the Engineering Design Process to design a reusable landing pad optimized to protect a package dropped from a height. Explore how changing a material’s shape or configuration can increase the amount of kinetic energy it absorbs during a collision. Collect precise data on how high a ping pong ball bounces on different landing materials using free MATLAB interactives from MathWorks.
To learn more go to: yes.mos.org
BWSI: The World of Tiny Turbines and STEM
Our Tiny Turbine demo gives students a hands-on opportunity to explore the principles of renewable energy and mechanical engineering by building and testing miniature wind turbines. This engaging activity introduces key STEM concepts such as energy conversion, aerodynamics, and power generation in a fun, interactive format.
To learn more go to: bwsi.mit.edu
Science You Can See
Nudge floating magnets into mysterious patterns, inspect a skull, or simply build a bridge that seems to defy gravity. No matter your interests, join educators from the EcoTarium and explore the unseen!
To learn more go to: ecotarium.org
Folding, Modeling, and Simulating with the Christa McAuliffe Center at Framingham State University
What can origami teach us about the James Webb Space Telescope? Fold one hexagonal primary mirror segment, and help us make a model of Webb's primary mirror. Uncover how telescopes work and what Webb is discovering about our Universe. Then, learn how to continue earth and space explorations through mission simulations, hands-on activities, planetarium programs, and NEW virtual reality experiences at the McAuliffe Center!
To learn more go to: https://cm-center.org/
Mini Lightsaber Mission: Build Your Own Glowstick!
Combine science with Star Wars as you build your own mini lightsaber! In this hands-on activity, participants will explore the science of simple circuits and learn how electricity powers light. Whether you're a young Padawan or a seasoned Jedi, you'll leave glowing with STEM knowledge. May the circuits be with you!
To learn more go to: https://edm8ker.com
Who's Clues? Animal Evidence & Tracking
Although we won't be bringing any live animals from the zoo, we will be bringing a number of biofacts (skulls, foot molds, pelts, etc.) to help us refine our observation skills and learn about our natural world. When studying animal interactions we are often left with little more than clues--a few tracks in the mud, a shed antler, a pile of poop--and by piecing together these clues scientists can weave narratives that help inform conservation action. Hone your attention to detail through a series of minigames matching evidence to animals.
To learn more go to: bpzoo.org
Bringing Discovery Museum STEM Explorations to Your Classroom
Discovery Museum, Acton, MA excels at providing intriguing everyday materials and unique opportunities for exploration that invite PreK to 8th Grade students to be the natural scientists they are – curious, capable, and full of investigable questions. Discovery Museum shares engaging, hands-on STEM explorations with more than 60,000 students every year through its popular school classroom-based Traveling Science Workshops (celebrating its 33rd year!) and provides another 10,000 with “Best day ever!” Museum Field Trips. Stop by to experience firsthand how you can bring a little Discovery Museum to your classroom with tabletop hands-on exhibits and a host of program options on topics such as force & motion, magnetism, physical changes of matter, sound, and weather.
To learn more go to: www.discoveryacton.org
Learning Blade: STEM Exploration Resources for your Classroom
Attendees will participate in an engaging, hands-on exploration of Learning Blade’s innovative activities in STEM, Computer Science, and career awareness. At our table, students will have the opportunity to dive into interactive experiences such as designing a prosthetic dolphin tail, testing their engineering skills in a mini car race, and expressing creativity through paper craft projects. These activities are designed to spark curiosity, promote problem-solving, and introduce students to real-world STEM careers in a fun and accessible way.
The Nest - Connecting Students with STEM with Art and Nature
Using the natural world as inspiration, The Nest at Mass Audubon is an art studio, maker space, and 125 acre wildlife sanctuary that connects people to nature and science by making art. At our table, you can learn more about how we use art and nature to learn STEM concepts, including trying out gel printmaking and use the custom tools we make at The Nest. We offer nature-based art and nature programs for children, adults, and schools.
To learn more go to: https://www.massaudubon.org/places-to-explore/wildlife-sanctuaries/maba-education-center
Transdisciplinary Stem Through Physical Computing
At our table you will learn how we are using microbits and sensors along with AI camera to support students in learning and applying physical computing ideas and concepts across disciplines.
To learn more go to: http://iuse bc.edu
Explore Robotics
Visit Code & Circuit to explore robotics and AI. Participants can expect to code robots, drive robots, and try out AI applications.
Hold Back the Water: Solutions for Sea Level Rise
Impacts of climate change including sea level rise and extreme flooding threaten coastal communities throughout Massachusetts. Compare natural and human-made weather barriers, and then design and test solutions to safeguard people, land, and coastal ecosystems from increasingly common high-water events.
To learn more go to: https://www.whalingmuseum.org/
Hexbugs: Sumo Wrestling
Learn about the engineering behind hexbugs and test your own engineering prowess by designing your hexbugs to compete in a robo-sumo wrestling contest!
Lab Consumables Free of Charge
The Pipetting Pigeon re-homes lab consumables from biopharmas into academic labs in New England to help instructors build that next generation of scientists. Materials are free of charge to recipients. What lab consumables would strengthen your bio program? Build your wish list and we'll add you to the recipient list.
Pitsco's Tower Power & Rocket Hour!
3D Pen Tower Building:
Unleash your creativity with 3D pens! Teachers will design and build a piece of a magnificent, collaborative tower, experiencing hands-on engineering fun.
Straw Rocket Launching:
Discover the excitement of rocketry! Design, build, and launch straw rockets to explore principles of physics and flight in an engaging way.
To learn more go to: www.pitsco.com
URI-UCONN Navy STEM Crew
Students can explore the sea of opportunities waiting for them in the field of Naval Science and Technology.
United Skates of America STEM Program
The STEM lessons focus on hands-on activities that are both educational and fun! The STEM lesson plans follow Next Generation and state-level curriculum standards that relate back to classroom learning making this STEM program completely unique! Following the completion of the one-hour STEM lesson, the students roller skate for physical fitness. While roller skating, the concepts students learned are continually reinforced.
To learn more go to: https://www.unitedskates.com/rumford/
3D Printing in the Classroom: Design, Create, Innovate!
Discover how 3D printing brings STEM to life in the classroom! Teachers, kids, and families will design their own keychains or name tags, watch live 3D printing demos, and explore how design thinking builds creativity and problem-solving skills. Participants can stamp take-home cards using 3D-printed animal stamps and get a feel for real-world applications with 3D-printed custom insoles and footwear prototypes. A hands-on, fun, and inspiring experience showing how 3D printing can support health, learning, and innovation in the classroom.
To learn more go to: WWW.innoaddi.com
MIT App Inventor
MIT App Inventor is a free, blocks-based educational programming platform that empowers users of all ages to design and build mobile apps. Visit our table to explore interactive demonstrations featuring new curricula in generative AI, physical computing, and robotics. Discover how MIT App Inventor and our project-based learning framework support K-12 students in creating impactful, real-world applications, and learn about opportunities to participate in free competitions like the Global AI Hackathon.
To learn more go to: appinventor.mit.edu
STEM at Merrimack College
Moon over Merrimack’s Family Astronomy Festival is Merrimack College’s signature public event hosted during MA STEM week every October. This year it will be on October 22nd from 5:30-7:30. Come experience a bit of the space science that you can expect at this event.
FIRST - Robotics in Your Classroom
FIRST provides robotics programs and classpack curriculum for robotics programs across the K-12 spectrum. Learn about the project based learning and competitive programs from teachers who use FIRST in the classroom and an after-school activity.
To learn more go to: nefirst.org
New England Reptile
New England Reptile educational programs promotes awareness and respect for all living things. We captivate our audience with an outstanding display of exotics, presented in a safe, fun and informative manner.
To learn more go to: Newenglandreptilestore.com
Robothink: Build, Code and Play with Robots
We provide after school programs and camps. Come and build your own robot at our table.
To learn more go to: www.myrobothink.com/neboston
Explore, Experiment, Code: A Hands-On CS Experience
Immerse yourself in a world where creativity meets Computer Science. Discover the magic of binary code as you craft your own one-of-a-kind binary bracelet, encoding secret messages in every bead. But that's just the beginning! Unleash your inner inventor with Makey Makey, turning everyday objects into touchpads and creating music with a tap of your finger or even a playful step. And if you're ready for more Computer Science adventures, say hello to our charming robotic companions, ready to dance, navigate mazes, and delight you with their interactive features. Join us at the crossroads of imagination and innovation – where binary bracelets, Makey Makey, and captivating robots await your touch!"
TFor more information about CS for MA please visit https://www.csforma.org/ https://massachusetts.csteachers.org
Engineering Bandages by Youth Engineering Solutions and the Museum of Science
Put your creativity and engineering skills to the test with this hands-on design challenge from the Museum of Science's Youth Engineering Solution team. This engineering challenge has you work through the Engineering Design Process to engineer a bandage that covers and protects a model cut. Investigate sticky and absorbent materials and explore how the parts of a bandage work together to create a successful design.
To learn more go to: yes.mos.org
Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST)
The Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers (MAST) is a professional organization dedicated to improving science education at all levels. MAST is the state chapter of the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and acts as your representative on national and state policies concerning science education. We will share about our upcoming Conference and resources on our website.
To learn more go to: www.MassScienceTeach.org
Scouting America - Forensic Science
Examine substances and how they react.
To learn more go to: www.scoutingboston.org
Take Tech Apart: The Art & Anatomy of Computers
Get hands-on with the inner workings of a real computer—open it up, explore the parts, and learn what makes it run. Then, tap into your creative side by using keys from old keyboards to make your own tech-inspired art. This interactive station combines engineering curiosity with artistic expression—perfect for all ages!
To learn more go to: masscue.org
Getting Your Wings
Prepare to take flight! Participants will launch their Python skills to new heights with an introduction to programming usingTello drones. This description will continue with our elementary piece using Microworlds.
To learn more go to: atmim.net
Voting and Civics Educational Activities
Active civic engagement is essential to help democracy work. The LWV will provide materials and activities that teachers can use in their classroom with their students. We want to encourage students to see civic skills as life-long skills and continue to find ways to improve our communities and our shared future.
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (Elementary and Secondary Education Grants)
Grant funding for public schools, districts, and non-profit organizations to support applied learning that provides students with both technical skills development relevant for life sciences careers and increases awareness of career opportunities. Grants are intended for purchasing life sciences equipment, materials, supplies, technology, and providing teachers with professional development for grades 3-12. Funding will enable teachers to educate students in real-world scenarios that prepare them for career opportunities in life sciences. Funding for professional development will ensure that educators receive the technical training needed to effectively use newly acquired equipment and technology.
To learn more go to: https://www.masslifesciences.com/
Dive into STEM with the Community Zoo Challenge: Real-World Learning Through Design
Teachers, get ready to play! Step into the role of zoo architects and engineers as you design and build a model zoo using cardboard, crafts, and basic paper circuitry. In this hands-on challenge, you’ll explore animal needs, simple machines, budgeting, and environmental design while collaborating to create a more sustainable, community-centered zoo.
Build a machine to help customers feed the penguin, design a safe way for an aging tiger to get down from a tree, invent an exercise contraption for the panda, and choose a new animal for your featured night exhibit—complete with lights! Watch life science, engineering, teamwork, and creative storytelling come to life in this fun, low-floor, high-ceiling PBL experience adaptable for all grade bands.
Bonus: Interested educators can have the opportunity to apply for a mini-grant supported classroom pilot!
To learn more go to: www.3duxdesign.com
Center for the Advancement of STEM Education (CASE) at Bridgewater State University
Join the Center for the Advancement of STEM Education at Bridgewater State University for hands-on fun with binary code bracelets! Use the 1s and 0s that power every computer to hide a secret message in a colorful, wearable design. Discover how this simple code is the foundation of cybersecurity, protecting information in our digital world.
To learn more go to: https://www.bridgew.edu/center/case
Engineering Expectations: Simple, Cost Effective Ways to Incorporate STEM Activities in your Classroom
Discover simple STEM activities you can bring back to your classroom that take little time to prep at minimal cost, created by engineers. Best of all, they will incorporate the design process, PLUS the math and science students are learning to solve real-world problems. The focus will be on designing, testing, and iterating quickly in order to promote a growth mindset and perseverance needed in any STEM career.
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom: Teacher's premier source of Agriculture related lessons, workshops and PD
At our table, participants will explore hands-on lessons that bring agriculture and the classroom together in fun, interactive ways. We’ll share creative workshop opportunities designed to spark curiosity and support teachers in bringing agriculture concepts to life for their students. Stop by to try an activity, gather new classroom ideas, and pick up some giveaways to take home!
To learn more go to: https://aginclassroom.org/
Junior Botball Challege
Junior BotBall Challenge is an international robotics program where students learn autonomous robotics. Elementary and middle school students to learn to design, program and solve problems using autonomous robots. Students will choose from a variety of tasks and game pieces to design a robotic arm with lego technics and learn to move the robot using C programming and motors, with the help of expert student mentors who have been through the Junior BotBall Challenge and BotBall programs.
To learn more go to: https://www.kipr.org/jr-botball
Email us: mateacherstemfair@gmail.com
Join our Facebook group: Massachusetts Teacher STEM Fair
Organizers:
Jenn Donais, Jenn Sauriol, Casandra Gonzalez
STEM Fair Committee:
Melissa Zeitz, Doug Scott, Laura Richardson, Neil Plotnick, Kathy Renfrew
Sponsored by: