STEAM Exploration Night 2025 Recap

Federal Way Public Schools’ STEAM Exploration Night Brings Scholars, Families, and Community Together for a Record-Breaking Event

Over 4,200 attend to explore science, technology, engineering, art, and math.

On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Federal Way Public Schools (FWPS) hosted its eighth annual STEAM Exploration Night, drawing a record-breaking crowd of over 4,250 attendees—more than 600 attendees above last year’s total. Scholars and families immersed themselves in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) through nearly 150 interactive booths and 20 special experiences designed to inspire and educate.

This year’s theme, “STEAM the Dream,” highlighted the vast opportunities available across industries and trades, and highlighted the role of arts in fostering creativity and innovation. Attendees engaged in hands-on experiences such as color light theory in theater arts, biomedical science demonstrations, an HTML coding workshop, and a career panel featuring industry professionals who shared their pathways to STEAM careers.

The event featured an array of activities that captivated scholars of all ages. Industry partner and student-led booths showcased STEAM-related careers, hands-on activities, school projects, and STEAM clubs. Interactive demonstrations included robotics showcases spanning elementary to high school, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) experiences, origami workshops, and horticulture activities. Exciting new features this year included the Fusion Art Gallery, Next Gen STEAM Lounge, a drone fly-through course, and a slew of new workshops offering unique insights into potential career pathways.

“I think this event is important because it can bring children to learn what we're doing in school and also make their teachers participate in it, which can bring their imaginations,” shared Zoe from Sacajawea Middle School. She then commented on her experience with the new inclusion of arts in the event saying, “We learned about art in computer science. It's really fun. We have Adobe Express where we've made logos and did floor plans, which is really cool.”

Returning favorites also attracted large crowds. Scholars and families packed the theater for the annual STEAM Film Festival, featuring scholar-produced films, and participated in Career and Technical Education (CTE) workshops. The Minecraft Engineering Challenge allowed attendees to create their own virtual environments, combining creativity with technical skills.

Brigadoon Elementary student Erin, presented with her school’s robotics program about her experience saying, “I was most looking forward to learning how to do the robotics... hard, but you will get it, and you can figure it out. I also loved seeing the booths that make video games. It’s challenging, but the students figured out how to do it.”

Beyond engaging exhibits, FWPS prioritized accessibility to ensure a welcoming experience for all. Enhanced features such as curbside partner check-in, a dedicated helpdesk, expanded interpreter services, and categorized activity schedules helped families navigate the event with ease. The interactive online program allowed attendees to view event details in multiple languages and filter activities by category, age group, and interest. Additional accommodations included food services, shuttle transportation, prayer rooms, a sensory-friendly break room, and a nursing room.

Returning sponsor FORMA Construction was thrilled to be back to offer a new activity centered around civil and structural engineering and promote STEAM careers, sharing, “We enjoy the community and love to build up the community around us and the people we work with.”

STEAM Exploration Night supplements classroom learning by providing all scholars access to career pathways in high-demand from lucrative STEAM fields. Through this event, scholars are empowered to explore, prepare, and launch into future opportunities that align with their passions and aspirations.

FWPS remains committed to ensuring every scholar successfully navigates critical transitions in their schooling to graduate from high school ready for college, career, and postsecondary experiences (Goal 5). The district continues to expand STEAM engagement through new partnerships, programs, and curriculum enhancements.

This year’s STEAM Exploration Night was made possible through the generous support of FORMA Construction, Highline College, Sylvan Learning Center of Federal Way, and Light of Christ Community Garden. The district extends its gratitude to the 101 participating organizations and nearly 130 dedicated volunteers who contributed to the event’s success.