Media Advisory: Superhero-themed STEM event Saturday in Buffalo expected to draw hundreds of students

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Batman. Black Panther. Wonder Woman.

The science behind these and other superheroes’ powers will be front and center during a two-hour educational program Saturday that’s designed to boost middle school students’ interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Some of Buffalo’s most successful and creative young tech companies, such as Bak USA and Thimble, will join educators from Say Yes Buffalo, Buffalo Public Schools (BPS) and the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership (ISEP) to present the event.

Dubbed a “Saturday Academy,” the event is a BPS’ Strong Community Schools initiative. Hundreds of students and their families are expected. They will participate in hands-on learning exercises intended to show youngsters that learning STEM can be fun and rewarding, and that exciting jobs await them in these fields.

Where: BPS 91, BUILD Academy, 340 Fougeron St., Buffalo.

When: 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 28.

Who: Hundreds of Buffalo Public Schools students and their families.

Why middle school students? Studies show that as early as middle school, children begin to make decisions about what they can and cannot do in life. The program aims to reach students during these critical years, and show them that STEM fields are a viable option.

Organizers: Say Yes Buffalo, Bak USA, Thimble, Buffalo Public Schools and the Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Partnership.

About ISEP: Led by the University at Buffalo in partnership with BPS, SUNY Buffalo State and the Buffalo Museum of Science, ISEP is a $10 million National Science Foundation-funded program that aims to improve science education districtwide by making science more exciting and meaningful for kids through hands-on learning.

ISEP began in the mid 2000’s with a $500,000 John R. Oishei Foundation grant serving one school on Buffalo’s West Side. It has since expanded with NSF support to 12 city schools, serving approximately 3,600 students and hundreds of public school teachers. It has been cited as a STEM Learning Ecosystem by the STEM Funders Network as a national example to be followed by others.