IPSF Thinks Outside the Box
IPSF launches the second annual STEAM Fest … In a Box. This fun-filled kit designed to engage students in grades one to six contains educator-approved hands-on activities. Photo credit IPSF
As the school year comes to an end, many parents worry. Will their students zone out in front of screens and forget all they learned this past year? Luckily, IPSF (Irvine Public Schools Foundation) has a solution to keep students engaged during the summer months.
OC STEAM Fest … In a Box will return for its second year. This program provides students with an interactive, take-home STEAM learning experience. The box, available for presale purchase for $40, includes hands-on activities to keep students engaged in learning. All proceeds directly benefit IPSF programs.
STEAM Fest … In a Box originated as OC STEAM Fest in 2015. The annual expo allowed kids to visit booths hosted by local companies to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in an interactive environment.
“For over seven years, IPSF brought the world of STEAM to thousands of families through the OC STEAM Fest,” says Neda Eaton, President and CEO of IPSF, via email. “This annual outdoor event provided the incredible opportunity for children to experience STEAM education through industry professionals and educators with hands-on activities to help them learn, explore, and discover.”
By 2018, OC STEAM Fest was drawing crowds of over 5,000 people to an expo with more than 50 STEAM-related booths. After a pandemic pause, OC STEAM Fest was reimagined in 2021 as an in-home experience: OC STEAM Fest… In a Box.
“OC STEAM Fest…In a Box is the product of adaptive thinking and a shared passion to rally behind our students when they need it most,” explains Eaton. “Combining the minds and energy of our team, STEAM educational specialists, and corporate partners, IPSF transformed what was previously a large, in-person STEAM Festival into an at-home family experience. We took great care in maintaining our purpose and attention to quality in providing STEAM activities to engage young minds with the magic of STEAM to create new opportunities for them to further explore.”
Now in 2022, IPSF is launching its second year of the STEAM Box with all new activities geared for students in grades one to six. Each activity is designed to be fun for the whole family and to encourage students to develop specific skills (see infographic for details).
Graphic credit/The Vine
Boxes will be available for pick up on Sunday, May 22, at a pick-up party hosted by Irvine Company at Woodbury Town Center. The party will include popcorn, balloon art, face painting, a DJ and more. The STEAM Box retail value is over $75, however Irvinites can purchase them before the event for $40 and at the event $50, while supplies last. All proceeds from STEAM Box sales directly support IPSF’s programs for students at every Irvine public school.
OC STEAM Fest … In a Box
Purchase a box online and join the Pick-Up Party!
Sunday, May 22nd, 1 pm - 4 pm
Hosted by Irvine Company at Woodbury Town Center:
6460 Irvine Blvd, Irvine
Learn more about the pick-up party here.
*Alternate STEAM Box pick-up dates available upon request.