September 2025 - 2.0

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Happy Fall!

We are sending parts of our September newsletter to you again because the one that went out last week had a few glitches - oops!  This newsletter contains three opportunities to do science outreach and to participate in a speaking contest for prizes!

Due dates to get involved are fast approaching! Take a look and don't miss out! 

 
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Photo from Haunted-U 2022 with space alien and kids holding props.

Haunted-U: A Spooky Science Spectacular!

We are seeking clubs and organizations interested in presenting an activity at our annual Haunted-U event! This is an exciting, fun, and educational public, community event where kids of all ages and their families can experience the wonders of science with a spooky, Halloween twist! This free event will take place on Saturday, October 18th from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Whitmore Lab and Osmond buildings.
Sign up below by September 26!

What to Expect:

  • Spooky Science Experiments: Witness bubbling potions, eerie chemical reactions, electrifying demonstrations, and so much more!

  • Haunted Lab Tours: Explore the mysterious and haunted corners of our labs, guided by our ghostly scientists.

  • Interactive Activities: Engage in hands-on experiments and craft your own creepy creations.

  • Treats and Tricks: Enjoy Halloween treats and participate in fun science-themed games.

  • Costumes Encouraged: Come dressed in your favorite Halloween costume!

We are also seeking individual volunteers to help us with logistics to make this a successful event. If you are interested in presenting or volunteering, please complete the sign-up form below, or contact Josh Krupa at jpk6434@psu.edu. We look forward to working with you!

Sign up to volunteer at Haunted-U!
 
Graduate Women in STEM flyer to call for workshop proposals for Young Women in STEM Workshop

Young Women in STEM: Call for Workshop Proposals

The Penn State Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) organization is thrilled to announce this semester’s Young Women in STEM (YWIS) event to engage young minds with hands-on activities in STEM!

The event date is November 15 and this year's theme is Game Day - creative science connected to sports! Click on the image to download the flyer.

Proposals for 40-minute interactive workshops for students in grades 5-8 are due by Friday, October 3. Submit yours today!

Submit a YWIS proposal here!
 
Photo from Exploration-U 2023 at Bellefonte Area High School. Photo taken in gym and includes parents, students and presenters interacting with demos and other science activities.

Penn State researchers, faculty, and students are invited to share hands-on activities and demonstrations with families of school age children. The goals of this event are to excite the community about all the great research being conducted and applied, and to inspire the next generation about the many fields of science that are available to explore!

The first of our Exploration-U events, Bellefonte Family STEAM Night, is scheduled for Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Bellefonte Area High School (830 East Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA 16823). The event set up starts at 4:30 p.m. and includes a light dinner. Transportation between Penn State and the high school will be available if needed. 

We are looking for labs, student organizations, businesses, and individuals to provide a 5–10-minute activity for the attendees. Last year, the audience consisted of about 240 people, including adults and children of mostly elementary school age. We are hoping for more attendees this year! Check out our Facebook album to see how the tables were set up and how the attendees were engaged. 

If you are available and interested to participate, please complete the sign-up form below by October 20 or contact Carol-Beth Book at cab962@psu.edu.

Sign up for Exploration-U!
 
I AM STEM Winner presenting keynote speech at Envision event

I AM STEM Student Speaking Contest

Do you have a STEM story to share?

Eberly College of Science students are encouraged to Enter the I AM STEM Student Speaking Contest! This is your chance to inspire others with your journey in science, sharpen your public speaking skills, and compete for the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at ENVISION: STEM Career Day Supporting Young Women. Share your passion, highlight your experiences, and inspire the next generation!

Winners will also receive gift cards in the following amounts: 1st Place: $250, 2nd Place: $150, 3rd Place: $100

Submit a brief essay and video by October 24 to get involved! Check out the link below for more information. We can't wait to hear about your STEM journey!

I AM STEM Rules and Instructions
 

Our Office of Science Outreach staff members are happy to assist you with any questions related to Science Outreach. Bookmark our website at https://science.psu.edu/outreach for more information or email us at outreach@science.psu.edu.  

We'd love to hear from you!

By submitting photographs or information to the Office of Science Outreach, we reserve the right to use them in our future newsletters or marketing.

 
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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. This publication is available in alternative media on request. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations or who have questions about physical access may contact the Office of Science Outreach in advance of the program (or film, event, etc.).

 
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The Eberly College of Science
Office of Science Outreach
201 Ritenour Building
University Park, PA 16802
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