Westfield State University will host several events in celebration of Massachusetts STEM Week, October 21–27. The purpose of this statewide celebration is to boost awareness and interest in STEM education and employment opportunities. The weeklong series of events will begin Monday, October 21 with the University’s College of Mathematics and Sciences’ Exploratory Open House and Scavenger Hunt, to be held in Wilson Hall, room 111, beginning at 9 a.m.

Activity highlights during the week will include:

Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.–2 p.m., “See Yourself in STEM at Westfield State,” an interactive STEM event with fourth grade Westfield Public School students, various locations.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 4:15–6:30 p.m., “Animal Shapes: Active Learning Exercises in Structure and Function,” led by Assistant Professor of Biology Jason Ramsay, Ph.D. SCI 304.

Wednesday, Oct. 23, 7–8 p.m., “The Truth About Sharks!” led by Dr. John Morrissey, Sweet Briar College, Scanlon Banquet Hall.

Events will conclude with Mass. STEM Fest, hosted by the Springfield Thunderbirds, at 3 p.m. Sunday, October 27, prior to Springfield’s 5:05 p.m. game vs. Rochester. All proceeds will support the Pioneer Valley STEM Network, one of eight regional networks funded through the Department of Higher Education Pipeline Fund.

PVSTEM NET aims to enable area businesses, institutions of higher education, local school districts, regional workforce development professionals, community based organizations and various municipal or civic leaders to increase the number of area students who participate in career-related programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), while also increasing the number of qualified STEM teachers and improving educational offerings in area schools.

To purchase tickets for Mass. STEM Fest, visit: https://springfieldthunderbirds.formstack.com/forms/mass_stem_fest.