On January 25, 2025, there were 59 kids at Junior Auxiliary’s STEAMpunk Academy, and they all enjoyed a fun-filled 3 hours of STEAM hands-on projects and demonstrations.

STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics. JATC threw in a Conservation booth for good measure.

Science activities were led by Paula DeHart, retired teacher and JATC member, who presented a lesson about “States of Matter”. The kids learned about 3 states of matter—solids, liquids, and gases. They observed several experiments which showed them the properties of solids, liquids and gases, some of which had all three states of matter within the one experiment. One of the experiments taught the kids that even though they cannot see gases, they will displace a liquid, filling a portion of a container which holds that liquid. The kids were able to use solid and liquid to create a bouncy ball which they were able to take home with them. When asked what his favorite station was, Caleb picked science because the experiments were the most fun.

Technology activities were presented by the Taney County Sherriff’s Department represented by Deputy Jeffrey Inmon and Detective Robert Stirewalt. They demonstrated some of the fun new technology available in cameras and took digital fingerprints of the kids.

Stephanie Callahan from Light Speed Electrical explained how electric circuits work for Engineering. She also had the kids guess how many light switches, plugs, lights, etc. were in their homes and asked them to go home and see how many they actually had. Engineering was Ryder’s favorite station. He said, “It was interesting to find out how electricity works.”

Art activities were led by two JATC members, Bobbie Wydeen and Sheila Martin. One of the activities was a Spirograph where kids made awesome designs that they could take home with them.

Two JATC members, Robin Osbern and Janelle Wynn, led the Math activities. They played a game called “Shut the Box” where the kids rolled the dice and then tried to close the pegs that made combinations of that number. Game was over when none of the kids could use their remaining numbers to combine what was rolled on the dice.

We threw in an extra booth on Conservation presented by Missouri Department Conservation agent, Jordan Poe. Jordan brought a bear skin, a skull, a bear collar, and photos taken with a game camera. One little girl, Caroline, asked “Is that collar one that a bear actually wore?” She was sad when Mr. Poe told her no.

As the kids completed each STEAM booth project, they had their STEAMpunk Passport book stamped. When they were all finished and checked out, they received a bag full of STEAM related items … Math and Reading books, Legos, and a Rocket Popper Engineering project.

Several parents told us what a great event this was, and the kids echoed their sentiment. One boy said, “The snacks were the best!”

In addition to Junior Auxiliary of Taney County, other supporters/sponsors of this event were Lightspeed Electric, Taney County Sherriff’s Department, and Missouri Department of Conservation.