Expo Draws 500 for Robots, STEM Games, Ice Cream

Mar 05, 2023 08:41AM ● By Jeanne Fratello

A STEM Expo at Manhattan Beach Middle School this week drew 500 kids and parents who came to meet a robot dog, try their hand at STEM games, and taste liquid nitrogen ice cream.

The expo - sponsored by Chevron, the Manhattan Beach Education Foundation and MBUSD - featured the debut of Chevron's robotic dog Spot 2.0.

Spot 2.0 entertained kids by mimicking their movements and allowing himself to be "pet."

Under the direction of STEM Teacher on Special Assignment Tanya Sanchez, attendees tried their hand at multiple stations and challenges focused on science, technology, engineering and math, from building earthquake resilient structures to a dome house made entirely of paper rolls.

Also on hand were interactive exhibits by Two Bit Circus, marine biology activities from the Roundhouse Aquarium, a Hololens demonstration, exhibits from MBMS STEM-based classes and clubs and Mira Costa's VEX robotics club, and an ice cream sampling with NITROPOD liquid nitrogen ice cream.

Participants also took part in a number of STEM challenges including the "Pringles Challenge" (a engineering challenge to create a perfect ring of Pringles without tape or glue).

Meanwhile, the MBEF-funded program Makerspace was busy with kids and adults of all ages building contraptions to float in the wind tunnel.

“It was incredible to welcome so members of our community, especially our youngest to the MBMS STEM Expo," said Hilary Mahan, executive director of MBEF, adding that the "hit of the event" was presenting sponsor Chevron’s robotic dog Spot 2.0. "The intention was to expose young minds to the possibilities in STEM - and that’s exactly what the expo achieved."

STEM Expo at MBMS [11 Images] Click Any Image To Expand