With its interactive exhibits and fun learning environment, the Utah STEM Fest invites students in grades five-12 to explore how science, technology, engineering and math help shape their world.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, the event aims to foster curiosity in STEM careers by providing the next generation of problem solvers the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and collaborative challenges with more than 10,000 students from around the state.

“We’re building a curiosity in STEM that helps to build a comfort level and helps kids gravitate towards being problem solvers,” said Tami Goetz, STEM Action Center Utah executive director. “Also, to be something like failure positive. It’s important for our kids to understand that failure is a learning process, too. So often in STEM, you get the chance to do things and some things work. Some things don’t.”

Businesses and organizations, like Thanksgiving Point, provide hands-on experiments and interactive exhibits as students learn about science, technology, engineering and math at the Utah STEM Fest. (Photo courtesy of Utah STEM Fest)

Hosted by the STEM Action Center Utah, the event will be held Sept. 17-18 at the Mountain America Expo Center in Sandy (9575 S. State Street). Teachers across Utah bring their classes to attend the Utah STEM Fest and the STEM Action Center Utah provides transportation for students from places like San Juan, Sevier, North Summit, Nebo, Emery and Duchesne school districts.

Since the event started in 2013, Utah STEM Fest has grown to include a variety of businesses and organizations that showcase STEM-related activities. The Utah State Highway Patrol brings a vehicle filled with state-of-the-art mobile technology. Utah Valley University’s science department provides dynamic experiential learning. KSL News sets up a green screen for students to practice being on camera. There’s even a mobile planetarium where students can watch a star show.

“One of our biggest supporters is US Synthetic,” said Shelby Averett, communications manager at STEM Action Center Utah. “They make synthetic diamonds. They have a miniaturized display showing how they do that process in real life.”

A push to get more girls and young women interested in STEM courses and careers is paying off. All-girl robotics teams are more popular than ever and there’s a greater demand for opportunities like SheTech clubs in high schools. College-level engineering programs are also seeing an increase in female students.

“I do think we’re taking the fear out of STEM for a lot of our girls which is good because whether you’re a girl or you’re a boy, the demand for talent in STEM-related careers requires for us to at least provide the opportunity to have the choice to go into a STEM career,” Goetz said. “There’s such a demand for STEM talent and that’s not going away.”

On Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 4-8 p.m., Family Night at STEM Fest invites students and their families to explore exhibits and enjoy demonstrations from STEM professionals. Admission is free.

KSL News lets students play with the green screen and practice being on camera. The Utah STEM Fest offers opportunities for students to experience STEM-based careers. (Photo courtesy of Utah STEM Fest)

The Utah STEM Action Center, a division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, is tasked with advancing STEM education. By providing a two-day event filled with fun experiments and an inspirational focus, Goetz hopes students will leave STEM Fest with a better understanding and appreciation for STEM careers and advancements.

“We’re not in the business of saying STEM is for everyone,” she said. “But we certainly are in the business of saying if it’s something you haven’t thought about, let us help provide some opportunity to explore it. So that if you walk away from it, you’re walking away from it because you know you’ve had a chance to try it, regardless of your gender.”

For volunteering or event information, visit utahstemfest.com.