Community members are invited to learn more about out-of-school time programs while participating in fun activities at this year’s Learn-A-Palooza, hosted by the College of Health, Education and Social Transformation and the STEM Outreach Center at New Mexico State University.
This year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 8, following the ASNMSU homecoming parade at the Corbett Center Student Union outdoor stage on the NMSU main campus. Activities include information booths and games that highlight science, technology, engineering, agriculture, arts and mathematics. Children attending the event can turn in a completed activities passport to receive a prize and a T-shirt while supplies last.
“The HEST family is thrilled to offer our second Learn-A-Palooza on the morning of homecoming Saturday, and we are grateful for the tremendous campus-wide and community support we continue to receive for this signature event,” said Rick Marlatt, dean of the NMSU College of HEST. “The opportunity to bring students and families from communities across southern New Mexico to our beautiful campus is a true privilege. We are beyond excited to show future Aggies and their families all the amazing things NMSU has to offer.”
Last year’s Learn-A-Palooza, which took place in the spring, attracted more than 2,000 students, families and community members. Even more attendees are expected this year because of NMSU’s homecoming activities and Ag Day.
“Learn-A-Palooza’s goal is to bring families together for a day of discovery and fun where children and adults can explore hands-on STEAM+ activities that spark curiosity and creativity,” said Erika Acosta, PK-12 STEM instructional outreach specialist at NMSU. “We are also excited to highlight student performances and to have Professor Bah-Boom engage kids in a fun science presentation.”
Acosta said children attending the event will have the opportunity to tour the NMSU Esports lab, the STEM Outreach planetarium, and the Aerial RC Academy Aviation Simulator. They will also help create a community mural. Families will receive tickets for free pizza and Kona Ice, and staff will give away more than 500 tickets to NMSU’s football game against Kennesaw State University.
Event sponsors include the NMSU College of Arts and Sciences, the NMSU Board of Regents and surrounding school districts. The event is free and open to all community members.
For more information, call 575-646-1397.
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PHOTO CAPTION: More than 2,000 people attending the 2024 Learn-A-Palooza event on the New Mexico State University main campus. This year’s event, which takes place Saturday, Nov. 8, is expected to draw a larger crowd. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman)
IMAGE DESCRIPTION: A woman showing a heart from an anatomical model to a young boy.