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November 9, 2026

STEM Night Sparks Curiosity

Two children work with science equipment on a table in a school setting.

Elementary students and their families enjoyed an evening of discovery, creativity and hands-on learning during the West Islip Union Free School District’s STEM Night on Oct. 21.

The event began with a visit to the district’s planetarium, where students and their families explored stars, constellations and the sun through an engaging presentation that brought the wonders of space to life.

Continuing with the evening of science-based learning, attendees rotated through a variety of interactive, Halloween-themed STEM stations led by members of the high school’s National Science Honor Society. Activities included launching ghost rockets, experimenting with a witches’ sink-or-float challenge, participating in “Bee-ware” coding activities, examining autumn-themed objects under microscopes, engineering candy catapults, solving Halloween tangrams and tackling other science-based challenges.

The evening combined elements of astronomy, engineering, coding and scientific inquiry while encouraging students to think critically, collaborate with their peers and explore new concepts. Through hands-on experiences and festive fun, STEM Night fostered curiosity and excitement for learning, inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators.

A group interacts with an educational robot on a grid in a public space. A person leans over a purple box labeled Eyeballs while another person observes.

A group observes specimens using microscopes at a science table in a classroom setting. A person paints with watercolors at a table surrounded by cups and onlookers.

Two children engage in a crafting activity at a table, surrounded by various attendees.