Hundreds of local elementary and middle school students gathered at FIU’s Ocean Bank Convocation Center for STEAM-Weather Day, exploring science, technology, engineering, arts, and math through interactive, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Rockets soared over the plaza, setting the tone for a day designed to inspire the next generation of innovators.
Engineering & Innovation Take Center Stage
Students got hands-on with engineering challenges, from launching bottle rockets to building robots. FIU Engineering’s Engineering on Wheels team wowed the crowd with exploding “elephant toothpaste” experiments and go-cart demos, while SPOT the robotic dog and its smaller counterpart, DOT, stole the show.
“Being part of this event sparked students’ interest in engineering and showed them how we’re surrounded by the work of engineers every day.”
— Emilio Castellanos, President, FIU American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter
“At FIU, I truly believe they can chase their dreams and become whatever they set their minds to!”
— Kristian Cosculluela, Program Director, FIU-ENLACE and Engineers on Wheels
Weather Science Meets Real-World Resilience
At the Wall of Wind booth, students watched wind tunnel demos and learned how engineers tackle extreme weather challenges. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service and emergency managers shared hurricane preparedness tips and connected classroom lessons to real-world impact.
“One short demo might spark a lifelong interest in resilience engineering!”
— Mahmoud Abdallah, Ph.D. student, FIU Wall of Wind
“The students’ questions showed genuine interest in making a difference.”
— Abdul Djabbour, Miami-Dade Emergency Management
“Educating students about weather and spotlighting STEAM fields is one of the most rewarding aspects of our job.”
— Sammy Hadi, Meteorologist, National Weather Service-Miami
Community Partners Spark Curiosity
The event brought together partners from across South Florida, including the Miami Children’s Museum, NOAA, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, the American Red Cross, and more. Students launched stomp rockets, explored library STEM activities, and learned about pioneers in science.
“It was inspiring to connect with so many bright, curious young minds.”
— Maricarmen Estrada, Director, CIFAL Miami
“We were able to teach them about famous pioneers, engage them in physics lessons — and of course, they shot rockets all across the plaza!”
— Nathalie Rodriguez, Museum Educator, Miami Children’s Museum
Fun, Panther Spirit, and Future Dreams
Beyond the learning, students climbed into FIU Police SWAT vehicles, got a close look at fire rescue trucks, and energetically cheered on FIU’s women’s basketball team to victory over UTEP. Roary and the Dazzlers added Panther spirit, making it a day to remember.
“This is our third time here, and the Expo keeps growing! I love the mix of STEAM and weather activities — and even the basketball game!”
— Matt Teruel, Teacher, Ben Sheppard Elementary
FIU Athletics partnered with the Extreme Events Institute and the College of Engineering and Computing to host more than 2,100 students from 18 Miami-Dade County schools. It was a team effort, with participation from FIU’s College of Arts & Sciences, Institute of Environment, FIUteach, Emergency Management, Police, and students from meteorology and physics.
“FIU STEAM-Weather Day was an opportunity to educate South Florida students, showcase FIU’s research expertise, and work together with our community partners.”
— Erik Salna, Associate Director of Education and Outreach, FIU Extreme Events Institute
“It was great to see so many different entities of FIU and the community come out and participate in the Expo.”
— Brad Matthews, Assistant Athletic Director, FIU Athletics
The whole experience created lasting positive memories of FIU for the young students — and possibly, for some, a future as Panthers, engineers, or student-athletes. By bringing together education, innovation, and fun, STEAM-Weather Day underscored FIU’s commitment to inspiring the next generation and building a more resilient South Florida.
Related Resources:
- Photos on the college’s Flickr page.