An Egg-straordinary Day of Science and Technology

In addition to racing their eggs down the South Lawn and gathering around to hear a story read by the First Family, the young participants of the 2015 White House Easter Egg Roll had the opportunity to participate in some fun and interactive science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities.

At the 5^th White House Science Fair a couple of weeks ago, the President announced $240 million in new contributions from businesses, schools, non-profits, and other institutions across the country to help kids learn in STEM fields. During his remarks, the President stated that “the United States has always been a place that loves science.  We’ve always been obsessed with tinkering and discovering and inventing and pushing the very boundaries of what’s possible.”

In a continued commitment to ensure that students have the chance to pursue their interests in these areas, girls and boys at the Easter Egg Roll explored their scientific curiosity by:

• Interacting with EggBot, an art robot that can paint very intricate and precise designs on eggs. EggBot taught students about digital design, computer numerically controlled machines and robotics. This was also a fun way to celebrate National Robotics Week!

Families gather around to learn more about how the EggBot works. (Photo credit: Windell H. Oskay)

• Participating in “Eggsperiments” hosted by American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Students tested what causes something to sink or float and build their own boats to learn about density.

Volunteers help young participants test out floating capacity and build their boats. (Photo credit: Megan Brewster)

• Taking home fun “Burpee’s Bee Garden” seed packs to grow their own gardens for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and see firsthand how pollinators support us by helping healthy foods grow, and what we all can do to help them in return. Students were also encouraged to be part of the national effort to help pollinators by registering their gardens online.

We were hoppy – er, happy – to see the smiling faces of so many budding young scientists, designers, engineers, and biologists at the White House Easter Egg Roll!

Stephanie Santoso is the Senior Advisor for Making at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.