STEAM Race to Space Day and Reading Challenge
Quick Look:
On September 19, Orange County students will have the unique opportunity to meet educator-astronaut Aymette Medina Jorge and engage in hands-on STEAM activities. This free event will kick off the annual STEAM Race to Space Reading Challenge aimed at encouraging reading and exploration in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM).
A Journey Beyond the Pages
On this exciting day, students will be introduced to the wonders of space and STEAM by Aymette Medina Jorge, a Blue Origin astronaut and an inspiring educator. She will share her journey to becoming the first K-12 educator of Hispanic descent to travel to space, making her story relatable for students.
Event Details:
- Date: September 19
- Location: OCDE Conference Center
- Registration: Register Here
Medina Jorge will present in both Spanish and English. Prior to her presentation, families will be welcomed by the mariachi group “Las Estrellas de Anaheim.”
Lifting Off the Reading Challenge
The STEAM Race to Space Reading Challenge will run from September 25 to October 16, allowing students from transitional kindergarten to 12th grade to track their reading progress using the Beanstack app.
How it Works:
- Students log reading minutes/pages.
- Goals range from 150 to 210 minutes.
- Upon achieving these goals, students earn virtual tickets for prizes such as:
- Digital badges
- Model rocket launch sets
- Unique educational experiences (e.g., tours at Garner Holt Productions and the Metropolitan Water District).
Featured authors this year include New York Times-bestseller Abigail Hing Wen, and Lori Polydoros, an Orange County educator.
Aiming for More Students
Last year, 1,900 students participated, and this year, the objective is to involve 2,026 young learners. The initiative aims to ignite curiosity and inspire students to explore careers in STEM by showing them that the possibilities extend beyond the classroom.
“Reading can ignite curiosity, introduce new ideas and careers, and help students envision their futures,” says Pat Burns, the reading challenge founder.
Space is limited, so families are encouraged to register soon or join the waitlist to ensure participation.
For continuous updates and to participate in the STEAM Reading Challenge, families can sign up at readsteam.org/stay-informed. Registration is open on the STEAM Race to Space Reading Challenge website.
