Highlights from SciStarter-supported NSF STEM Day Events.
On May 10, 2025, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) marked its 75th anniversary with a national celebration. SciStarter proudly partnered with eight organizations nationwide to celebrate NSF STEM Day with engaging, hands-on science activities featuring citizen science and Science Near Me.
Check out highlights from each event!
📍 Richmond Memorial Library – Batavia, NY
SciStarter’s own Tara Cox, Director of Partnerships traveled to the Richmond Memorial Library to host an morning of Bird and Pollinator science with hands-on STEM activities and citizen science kits!
📍 Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University, Sewell, NJ
The Edelman Fossil Park & Museum of Rowan University celebrated NSF STEM Day on Saturday, May 10, with a special pollinator-themed citizen science event honoring the National Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary. Attended by over 200, visitors of all ages engaged in hands-on activities like a Pollinator Nature Walk, BudBurst plant and pollinator tracking, and iNaturalist and Seek app stations to identify local species. Additional highlights included a pollinator scavenger hunt, coloring activities, storytime, and opportunities to sign up for SciStarter and Science Near Me. The event empowered participants to contribute to real scientific research while exploring the vital role of pollinators in our environment.
📍 Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library – Oxford, MS
The Lafayette County & Oxford Public Library celebrated NSF STEM Day with a day of hands-on activities highlighting 75 years of National Science Foundation–supported innovation. Attendees explored 3D printing, science experiments, GIS mapping, American Science Language, citizen science, and a science scavenger hunt. The event also featured take-home activities and a week-long STEM exhibit. It was hosted in partnership with University of Mississippi Libraries, the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, the Center for Mathematics and Science Education, the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, and Square Books.
📍 Ozark Library – Ozark, AR
The Ozark Library hosted a highly successful week-long citizen science event that surpassed expectations, engaging 16 children and 10 adults. Highlights included the introduction of new and returning science kits, themed crafts centered on butterflies and honeybees, and lively discussions about pollinator life cycles. The event significantly boosted awareness of citizen science and enhanced the library’s STEM offerings, thanks to support from SciStarter and grant funds. Several staff members participated as Citizen Science Ambassadors, strengthening their role in community learning. A homeschool family expressed excitement about accessing science kits, saying, “I had no idea I could check out a science kit from the library!” The initiative continues to empower the library to grow its programs, deepen partnerships, and inspire innovation in community engagement.
📍 Hudson Area Public Library – Hudson, WI
The Hudson Area Public Library in Wisconsin hosted a vibrant NSF STEM Day event focused on the electromagnetic spectrum and the invisible wonders of the universe, attracting 165 attendees. Highlights included a keynote by retired NASA astronaut Duane Carey, who spoke about servicing the Hubble Space Telescope, and presentations by NASA Solar System Ambassador Trena Johnson and DarkSky Wisconsin’s Stephen Wilbers. The event featured interactive stations with infrared detectors, thermal imagers, solar telescopes, and hands-on activities led by the Hudson High School Space Club. Support from SciStarter and grant funds enabled the library to host high-profile speakers, promote the event widely, acquire three new Citizen Science kits, and expand its STEM book collection. Attendees expressed excitement and curiosity, with one remarking, “It was so cool to meet an astronaut.” The event sparked strong community interest, with new partners reaching out to collaborate on future programs.
📍 Montana State University Science Math Resource Center – Bozeman, MT
Montana State University’s Science Math Resource Center hosted the “Plant and Pollinator Palooza,” featuring speakers from the Montana Bumble Bee Atlas and the Citizen Botany program of the Montana Native Plant Society. Seventeen attendees participated in a dynamic event that included presentations followed by a hands-on outdoor session collecting bees and analyzing local plants and pollinators. SciStarter and grant support enabled the purchase of essential tools like macrolenses, bug nets, test tubes, and printed materials, which enhanced both the event and the partners’ ongoing outreach. Participants left inspired and energized, with one noting, “Citizen science could create a new adventure and bring you to places you’ve never been before.” The event successfully deepened community engagement with local scientific initiatives.
📍 Burton Barr Central Library – Phoenix, AZ
The Phoenix Public Library hosted a well-attended NSF STEM Day event at the Burton Barr Central Library, drawing 37 participants. In partnership with Dave Morrison from ASU/SciStarter and ASU’s Glitch’n, the event featured an introduction to citizen science, informational tables on projects like Stall Catchers and iNaturalist, and hands-on activities including take-home Ant Picnic kits and coloring sheets for children. Although a planned speaker from Gateway Community College was unable to attend, the event successfully highlighted citizen science opportunities and showcased new kits purchased with grant funds. Attendees showed strong interest, including a certified beekeeper who praised the Observing Pollinators kit. Due to extreme heat, outdoor activities were moved indoors, allowing for more focused engagement with resources and SciStarter registration.