STEM

We are nerds and love our tech but I am the biggest Science Geek of the family. Upon initial appearance I am just the usual homeschool mommy but I really do love Math and Science. I am also a MAJOR deal freak and uber frugal. I keep my eyes and ears open at all times for free and discounted activities that our entire family can enjoy.

 

Our local Tech Fest held each February is no exception. Since we are so very frugal, partially out of habit from when we lived on below poverty level wages, we pack food and drinks to save money eating at events. I thought it would be a great idea to share tips for attending a tech fest just in case you are thinking of going.
1. Print a map- Just in case your cell phone hits a dead zone or runs out of battery or the kids use up the battery playing Jetpack Joyride or Brain Pop on the way. Be sure your map includes parking and exactly where the entrance to your event is. Our event is help on a small college campus that has over 20 buildings. You definitely do not want to spend all day driving around to find your event. If you have small children you don’t want to park super far away either.
2. Bring a change of clothes for babies, tots, and potty training preschoolers- Yes, this sounds like a given BUT I know many friends and relatives who do not keep a spare change of clothes with them. Nothing like getting to your event to find out your baby geekling had a major blow-out in his car seat on the way!
3. Pack food and drinks- Be sure to have something for each person to drink and a healthy snack. Even if you only plan to attend for a hour or 2 between meals you’d be surpirsed at how hungry youget when your brain is all fired up learning about STEM! Water, juice boxes, cheese sticks, and nuts are very good options.
4. Extra set of car keys- Just saying this is a very good idea unless your spouse is a professional locksmith. Get a vehicle door key made for your spouse to carry.

5. Special dietary or medical supplies-Now that Eldest is Type 1 Diabetic he brings his blood glucose meter and insulin wherever he goes. Be sure you have what your child or family needs just in case you are away at your event longer then planned.
6. Bring money- Yes, even to free events be sure to have cash in case of pay parking or in the event you need a snack to make it through the day or event.
7. Charge your phone AND bring a charger- You never know how much you’ll need your phone until it’s about to shut down from a dead battery.
8. Bring extra batteries for your camera- Are you wanting plenty of pictures of the event? Be sure to bring backup battery or charger for cameras.

9. Have a plan if you get separated! Make a point to find a place for your children and spouse to go if you become separated. If you want to create an ID for your child to carry and you homeschool you can print one off for free. I share how to do this and what to include on my post entitled: Homeschool Conventions and Lost Children. If you do not homeschool then you can easily create your own ID for your family on your PC.

10. Keep expectations simple- Remember you will NOT be able to see and do EVERYTHING this year unless you attend the entire event and can move about at warp speed. The Tech Fest we attend we just try to get to 1 thing each person wants to do. If I see freebies being given out I tend to steer in that direction before they are gone.

If you need more STEM ideas then check out the entire A to Z STEM series via Little Bins for Little Hands or my H is for Heart RateTec post.