Mike Havlik, Naturalist for the Des Moines YMCA Camp near Boone, will be presenting a program entitled “Big Owls Hoot, Little Owls Toot” as part of the STEM Festival to be held from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at North Tama Schools. -Photo provided

On Sunday, April 7, a fun and educational event for all area K 6 students and their families will be held at North Tama Schools in Traer. The Tama County Family STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Festival will be a fast paced event full of quick, fun, hands-on STEM activities and interactive displays. The event is geared to families with children in grades K-6, but may appeal to people of all ages.

County schools involved in the planning of the event include Belle Plaine, Gladbrook- Reinbeck, Green Mountain-Garwin, Meskwaki School, North Tama, South Tama and Union.

It is anticipated that 35- 40 exhibitors will be participating and a few of the stations will include: bending light with jello, constructing musical instruments and experiencing the science of sound, seeing sumo robots in action, building ramps and creating pathways, and using your own energy to produce electricity. This is but a few of the many interactive and exciting exhibits to be provided.

Mike Havlik, head naturalist of the Des Moines YMCA Camp near Boone, will be making two presentations at the Festival.

Havlik will be presenting his “Big Owls Hoot, Little Owls Toot” program at 1: 15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.. This entertaining and eye-opening program introduces participants to the beautiful and mysterious birds that occupy the sky. Few people have heard an owl and fewer have seen one. Students and parents will have the opportunity to see a live owl, learn their calls and study the conservation of these fantastic animals. Havlik’s appearance is made possible through the support of the Tama County Conservation Board.

The Tama County Family STEM Festival will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 7, at the North Tama Schools, 605 Walnut St., Traer, and is provided free of charge. Anyone interested is invited to attend.