STEM Fest Exhibitors

71 North Partnership Studio

Innovation and entrepreneurship learning activities

• Huskieverse– (VR demos, first experiences)  The Huskieverse is an interdisciplinary group trying to bring the wonders of Extended reality to the masses! with out first project Vespa mode is trying to build a Vespa VR Controller.
• Vespa Mode Project– (VR demos, first experiences) Vespa mode aims to create both a vespa simulation and a physical vespa rig that can be used in conjunction with a VR headset to simulate the experience of riding a vespa.
• CHILL Community Health Innovation Learning Lab
• Innovation Club-  (tabling) The Innovation Club is an inclusive student-led organization welcoming creative thinkers from all corners of campus who are interested in making the world a better place.
• Huskie Hackers,  (tabling) Are you ready to code the future? Join the NIU hashtag #HuskieHackers first hackathon seasons! Team up with Nikhil Doddaga & Federico Bassetti to participate in virtual and local challenges.

ACM – Association for Computing Machinery

The Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) student chapter at Northern Illinois University is excited to share computer science with learners of all ages! At STEMFEST, we’re showcasing fun, hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and creativity in younger students while giving a glimpse into the world of computing.

• ACM Student Showcase: Brett William’s DDS-NET : Stylish Retro Party Management and Dice Rolling System for Tabletop Roleplaying Games.
• Programming your first HTML5/CSS Website with a live preview local server!
• Javascript Reaction Time Test with stats! – Learn how it works!4. Binary Number pixel art – 1s and 0s make retro pixel art!

Argonne National Laboratory

Our activity will focus on the A.I. research taking place at the lab. We will highlight prompt engineering and connect the basic elements of how large language models play a role in popular AI technologies.

Atharv Gurukul

Educate people about solar storm and how it impact Earth. An interactive activity where you can create it and see how it impact Earth.

Bayer Crop Science

Showcasing technologies that are used in the farming industry.

Build-a-Blinkie

Build-a-Blinkie Learn-to-Solder workshop.

Chasewood Learning

Chiro One Wellness Centers

Chiropractic services – complimentary spinal screenings, stress assessments, and posture checks.

Communicative Disorders Student Association

Activity: Communication is the heart of STEM. Communication based activities such as demonstrate vocal waves with microphone and sound waves visual. Bringing ear plugs to promote hearing safety.

Compudopt

Take the Compudopt “Tower Challenge!” Students can visit the Compudopt booth to participate in deconstructing and reconstructing a PC Tower. Students who complete the challenge within 4 minutes or less will secure a part time summer position with Compudopt as a Tech Instructor. Attendees can also register to receive a free laptop!

DeKalb County Farm Bureau – Agricultural Literacy

We will be working with Suter Company to create a “storyline” of farm to plate (corn to street corn dip) featuring careers in agriculture and food processing, having participants dissect corn kernels and look at them using microscopes, etc.

Donka Inc.

Donka offers a variety of interactive activities designed to empower individuals with disabilities through technology. Stop by our booth to explore assistive technology and accessibility solutions on Apple and Windows products.

Edith Farnsworth House Historic Site

Hands-on activities that connect to the architecture of the historic site designed as living in nature involving engineering, design, mathematics, art, nature, and preservation.

Electrostatic Particle Technology Lab

The booth will demonstrate aerosol detection as well as aerosol collection and disinfection through particle charging.

Emergent and Autonomous Systems Lab, Mechanical Engineering

• Gaze based control of a virtual manipulator
• Teleoperation of a ground robot with obstacle avoidance
• Showcasing an underwater robot

EZ-3 Learn

Make your own comic strips that can create a story, retell a story, solve a problem, or present a learned concept – all in 3 steps. This will be a differentiated event (geared towards learning styles) using a physical exercise – drawing on a SmartBoard, paper-based) dry erase EZ-3 cards, or using the web app as a digital experience.

Fargo Skateboarding & Pushing Together NFP

Try skateboarding! Learn how to skateboard with our friends from Pushing Together NFP, a nonprofit that makes skateboarding accessible to underserved youth. Learn the basics of how to skateboard, and learn how to use a skate tool to work on skateboards.

FIRST Robotics Teams

Drive bug robots, 20lb bots, and see a 115lb robot built by HS students for FIRST Robotics Competitions.

FoodMASTER and NIU Health Sciences

FoodMASTER will use food as a tool to teach mathematics and science to kids.

Health Sciences will host a health sciences game with prizes and information about majoring in Health Sciences.

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

This exhibit highlights the science behind our propagation efforts, featuring the biology and life-cycle of mussels, the technology used to count and track lab-raised individuals, and the engineering processes of various aquatic-housing systems. Hands-on activities include:

• Examination of mussel specimens
• Use of a microscope to count baby mussels
• Exploration of mussel larvae to host fish

IDEAL Industries Inc.

We have been an active part of STEM fest for the last few years! We run a booth that teaches kids how to connect a circuit using wire connectors and perform a bot battle.

Illinois Reads Authors

Come and meet authors: Jeff Miller, Janet Nolan, Sara Varon, Molly Cranch, Kat Chen, Ann Zhao, Ruth Spiro, Jacob Grant and Ray Nadine.

Illinois Department of Transportation

Hands on activities for all ages including rock shaking, driving a culvert robot, and using a robotic total station.

Illinois Mathematics & Science Academy

We have informational materials about our school and will also provide take home activities for families.

Industrial and Systems Engineering

Run experiments to showcase how how industrial and systems engineers solve real-world problems.

Intercultural Student Organization

Kishwaukee College

Interactive demonstrations and activities for physics, chemistry, and health sciences, including “boo bubbles,” Van de Graaff generator, and bones!

Lake Forest Country Day School Mobile Innovation

Come and build nano tape bubbles, LED flashlights, and more with Lake Forest Country Day School! You will work with LFCDS middle school students to create, decorate, and bring home a variety of maker projects.

MARS Academy

At this table, participants will explore hands-on robotics activities, including how to connect sensors and motors to bring machines to life. Kids will learn how sensors help robots detect their surroundings and how motors power movement—just like in real-world applications!

MARS Academy

Coding, AI and Robotics for kids 6-14

Medical Laboratory Sciences Club

Use some laboratory glassware and learn how to pipet liquids. In addition, we will have human peripheral blood smears containing unique abnormalities on microscopes for viewing. A “pin the flagella on the trichomonas” game can be played also.

Molex

Molex will be hosting interactive stations:

• Squishy Circuits- Learn about electric circuits by bringing your play dough creations to life with LEDs, buzzers, and more!
• Invent a job of the future by leveraging AI!
• Learn about Molex “How we make Connectors” Graphic Novel
• “Molex in your life” trivia- win a prize and mark where you can find Molex products!

NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassadors

Space exploration, rockets, astronomy, and telescope.

Build and fly a Mars helicopter.

National Art Education Association Student Chapter

Neuroscience and Behavior

Interesting visuals such as brain slices, neuron models and experiment examples. Interactive activities that highlight different psychological concepts such as a mirror drawing task, string pulling, making brain hats, etc.

NICOR Gas

Test your Natural Gas Knowledge Game – Spin the wheel, PPE equipment, and prizes!

NIU American Meteorological Society

Green screen display with weather map for kids to practice being a meteorologist! We have quick poster board games for attendees to guess weather phenomenon/climates. We may also have a demonstrative tornado simulator. These activities are designed to get attendees excited about the weather and the atmosphere and how important it is to society.

NIU Anatomical Society (NANSO)

This exhibit & activity dives into the fascinating world of human anatomy with unique hands-on experiences featuring real anatomical models, bones, and wet specimens—all available for exploration with gloves.

NIU Autism Caregiver Group

Sensory related activities for young kids, information about NIU Autism research, provide information about NIU and community resources for caregivers.

NIU BookLab

At BookLab (Founders Library 400), we will have activities such as printmaking, playdough Cuneiform tablet making, stamps, shaving cream marbling.

NIU Campus Sustainability (Office of the President)

NIU Chemistry Club

Hands-on demonstrations of chemical principles suitable for school-age participants. If it glows, bubbles, or squishes, you may find it here.

NIU Counseling and Consultation Services

NIU Department of Counseling and Higher Education

Ways in which technology can be used in Counseling as well as therapy activities that engage young children through hands-on activities, including sand tray and others.

NIU Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment

Model tornado, augmented reality sandbox, Minecraft, tree, soil, fossil and rock samples, levitating globe, etc.

NIU Department of History

Game relating to historical scientific and technological advances/inventions (updated version of one we have used for awhile that’s been popular); a rotation of students and faculty dressed as famous past scientists and interacting with attendees “as” those individuals.

NIU Department of Mathematical Sciences

Do you like puzzles and games? Visit our booth at STEM Fest and challenge your brain.

NIU Department of Operations Management and Information Systems

AI & data analytics interactive activities

NIU Department of Physics

Haunted Physics Labs Preview.

NIU Department of Statistics and Actuarial Science

Win candy and learn about probability. Let a ball randomly travel down our Galton board and try to guess where it will land. Help us gather data to help us see if there is a trend!

NIU Doctor of Physical Therapy Program

We want to share how we work with patients by prioritizing an active lifestyle to maintain the ability move when performing daily activities. We are hosting an obstacle course for participants to complete with the chance to earn a prize!

NIU Environmental Studies

Ecosystem Interdependence Simulation to illustrate the interconnectedness of marine ecosystems and the impact of coral bleaching on these systems. This activity evaluates the complex interactions in ecosystems and the impact of human activities on biodiversity.

NIU Huskie Motorsports

We will be providing our Team’s student manufactured racecar to show off to all attendees.

NIU Observatory

Videos from the past eclipses, as well as have telescopes and other hands-on items at the booth.  Weather and staff permitting, we’ll also set up the solar telescope and sun spotter outside.

NIU Office of Innovation

NIU Robotics Club

1lb battle bot fights!

NIU School of Interdisciplinary Health Professions

• Name the grain.  
• Safety/Injury Prevention with mitts.
• Engaging activity:  Interactive Body System or health /wellness plinko game.

NIU School of Nursing – Student Nurses Organization (SNO)

Activities to demonstrate how nursing is a STEM career. There will be fun activities with equipment that help nurses assess patients and promote well-being.

NIU Supermileage Team

Showcasing our student designed and manufactured vehicle and racing equipment.

NIU SWE

DIY STEM activity: popsicle flashlights with a lesson on how a circuit works, what a circuit is, etc.

Paper Rocket Launch, presented by The Rubber Band Project.

Build your own paper rocket then use 35 pounds of air pressure to launch your rocket up to 150 feet!

Phi Sigma Biological Honor Society

Tentative activities: one booth for microbiology activities explaining what bacteria are, beneficial and harmful bacteria, and helping the streak plates from any surface to check for microbial growth; one booth for ecology activities, bring some specimens from biology museum and explain differences between animal skeletons.

Prairie Research Institute Traveling Science Center

The Traveling Science Center features engaging informational panels about the natural resources of Illinois and ways to protect them. The vehicle is filled with hands on artifacts for people of all ages to explore and learn about Illinois’ amazing biodiversity.

Proxima Centauri Alpha

Project Ascension was a initiative to send a High Altitude Balloon HAB equipped with custom sensors and a a video camera to the upper stratosphere. The mission was successful, it was launched on May 3rd 2025 and it brought back data from a height of over 120,000+ feet including high definition video and photography from the upper stratosphere. Our booth will be showcasing the data and footage as well as present the solutions implemented to make the project possible.

Robotics and Rover

We will host a 1lbs competition!

Sargent & Lundy NAYGN (North American Young Generation in Nuclear)

Educational activities around what nuclear energy is and how nuclear power plants work. Virtual and physical diagrams of parts and systems of nuclear power plants. Some small components and 3D models of parts you could find in a power plant. Activity with a Gieger counter and potassium salt to show measured radiation (from the salt) paired with an educational moment around what radiation is, the different types, and how to harness energy from it.

Society of Women Engineers-Chicago Regional Section

Paper circuits-a fun filled hands-on activity designed to introduce conductivity and circuitry to the participants.

STLE Chicago Section

The students will learn about friction and lubrication, and their importance in their daily lives.

• Inclined Plane Friction Experiment: This hands-on experiment helps students learn about friction as they study movement of different materials on different surfaces under the force of gravity. It’s a fun, interactive activity!
• Viscosity and Friction: Viscosity is the thickness or resistance to movement of a liquid. The students will use materials like water, vegetable oil, honey and molasses to study the frictional effects of viscosity. A French press coffee maker allows them to simulate what happens in a car engine cylinder.

Student Academy of Audiology

Attendees will be able to use a video otoscope to see the inside of their own ears, and use the video otoscope on Audio Carl, an interactive audiology mannequin.

Free hearing protection earplugs will also be handed out.

Syngenta  Seeds R&D innovation center

Our innovation center represents the research efforts in seed and biotechnology, aiming to improve the life of millions of American farmers.

The College App

An interactive Jeopardy style game related to College Admissions

The Rubber Band Project

Paper Rocket Launch

• build a paper rocket
• launch your rocket using 30 pounds of air pressure as propellant. 
• take your rocket home with you

The Suter Company

The Suter Company and the DeKalb County Farm Bureau will be presenting in collaboration, “From Tassel to Table,” a story of the importance of agriculture, farming, and the foods that come to your kitchen table – all from here in DeKalb County.

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Interactive experiences with polymerization reactions, chromatography, fluorescence, and more. Visitors to all activities get an opportunity to answer science trivia at the spin wheel and win prizes.

Tic Tac Mo

Gameplay with the interactive three person tic-tac-toe

Trane – Trane Technologies

KidWind Challenge is an opportunity for students in grades 4-12 to experiment with small wind turbines to generate electricity. Students can manipulate the number of blades, the blade shape and the pitch or angle of the blades to improve the efficiency of the wind turbine.

We will also have a study of where our energy comes from, how it is used, and how much energy do the State of Illinois, and surrounding states use each year? Students in grades 7-12 will analyze energy data to build 3D models of energy consumption using LEGOs. Learn just how much energy is consumed per year within our state!

Women in Math

Making origami, which holds connections to symmetry.