Stanzel Museum Inspires Young Minds Through Dale Kirn Summer STEAM Event
The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum welcomed children and families to an exciting day of discovery during the Dale Kirn Summer STEAM Event featuring Mobile Ed Productions’ STEAM Museum. The free educational program was made possible through the generous support of the Dale Kirn Scholarship Fund, whose mission is to provide high-quality STEAM learning opportunities for local children.
This year’s outreach program was hosted on Monday, June 29, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School and Tuesday, June 30, at the Weimar Elementary School Cafeteria, making hands-on STEAM education accessible to families across the region.
A total of 102 children and 51 adults participated in the two-day event, enjoying an engaging experience filled with scientific discovery, creativity, and interactive learning.
But what exactly is STEAM?
STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics— five disciplines that encourage curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through hands-on experiences, children learn how these subjects work together to shape the world around them. Children ages 5 and older explored a variety of interactive exhibits presented by Mobile Ed Productions. Throughout the program, participants investigated scientific principles while engaging in exciting, hands-on activities designed to make learning both educational and fun. Young scientists explored concepts including, scientific observation, 3 D printing, magnetism, electricity, engineering design, technology in everyday life.
A key part of the event’s success was the dedication of a remarkable team of local educators and volunteers and museum docents who shared their time, knowledge, and enthusiasm with every child in attendance. The Stanzel Museum extends its heartfelt appreciation to Kristen Graeter Holub, District GT Coordinator and Makerspace Lab instructor at Schulenburg Elementary School; Mercy Silcox, Schulenburg ISD Physics Teacher; and Cristina Moreno, Mathematics Teacher. Their passion for education and their willingness to engage children in meaningful conversations about science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics helped create an unforgettable learning experience.
The museum also proudly recognizes Stanzel Scholarship alumni Noe Nieto, Morgan Westfall, and Joshua Cardarelli, who generously volunteered their time during the summer program. Each of these young men pursued careers and higher education in STEAM fields with the support of Stanzel Scholarships. When the museum asked for volunteers, they immediately answered the call to inspire the next generation of innovators. Their willingness to give back serves as a powerful example of the lasting impact of the Stanzel Scholarship Program and demonstrates how today’s scholarship recipients can become tomorrow’s mentors and community leaders. Thank you to our Stanzel Museum docents, Shirley Schoener, Jannette Streit, and David Mc-Call for their gracious smiles and endless support.
The Dale Kirn Summer STEAM Event reflects the Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum’s ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of innovators through handson educational experiences. By removing financial barriers through the Dale Kirn Scholarship Fund, the museum continues to ensure that local children have access to enriching educational opportunities that spark lifelong interests in science and technology.
The Stanzel Model Aircraft Museum extends its sincere appreciation to Mobile Ed Productions, especially Mr. Reggie Holmes, the Dale Kirn Scholarship Fund, St. Rose of Lima Catholic School, Weimar Elementary School, the volunteer educators, scholarship alumni, and the many families who helped make this year’s summer STEAM event a tremendous success.