Dear Parents and Guardians,
Looking for something meaningful and and stimulating for your children to do in between the holidays? We invite you and your family to join us for an inspiring Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs –Glad Tidings/IEEE Youth Winter STEM Workshop, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) educational experience designed specifically for students from underrepresented communities. This in-person event will be held at 27709 Tyrrell Ave, where you can meet other curious minds and learn from experienced instructors. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to explore the wonders of STEM in a supportive and engaging environment. Register now to secure your spot!
Scholarships available, please email: benita.mclarin@gladtidingscogic.org
Event Details
Where: Glad Tidings Family Life Complex
When: 12/30, 9am to 3:00pm.
Who: Students aged 8–17 (parents encouraged to attend)
Why STEM Education Matters for Your Child
STEM education is more than just learning about technology or engineering—it’s about developing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today’s world. By exposing your child to STEM:
- Help them discover new interests and talents.
- Prepare them for high-paying and rewarding careers.
- Show them that they can be creators, innovators, and leaders.
Schedule:
8:15 – 9:00 AM | Breakfast Available· Light Breakfast including cereals, fruit and juice for children· Coffee and pastries for volunteers· Meals Catered by Divine Purpose Catering
9:00 – 9:20 AM | Welcome & Kickoff
- Welcome
- Overview of the workshop theme: “Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs”
- Review of safety rules
- Introduction of volunteers, experiment leads, and technology demonstrators
- Brief explanation of how technology connects to cooking (Instant Pot sensors, microwaves & magnetrons)
9:20 – 9:45 AM | Opening Technology Demonstration (Large Group)Tech Demo #1: How Microwaves Cook Food
Led by IEEE-USA President Tim Lee
Sample Questions for Consideration:
- What is a magnetron?
- How microwaves heat water molecules
- Demonstration: Heating different foods & observing heat distribution
- Safety discussion: microwave-safe containers
9:45 – 10:10 AM | Technology Demonstration #2 (Large Group)Tech Demo #2: The Science & Engineering Behind an Instant Pot
Led by engineering guest (or enriched by Nirupama’s consulted mechanical engineer)
- Pressure, temperature regulation, sensors
- How smart cooking devices automate heat control
- Demonstration using safe, simple food item
- Discussion: Technology innovations in home cooking
10:10 – 10:20 AM | Transition & Break
10:20 AM – 12:00 PM | Hands-On Experiment Rotations
Participants rotate through 3 stations (25 minutes each) Stations may include:
Experiment Station
- Make Your Own Cheese – Simple paneer or ricotta – Concepts: curdling, heat, protein structure
- Pizza Dough Science – Yeast growth & temperature effects – Kneading and gluten formation
- Microwave Mini-Experiments – Safe items – Observing heating patterns
12:00 – 12:40 PM | Lunch & Informal STEM Challenge
- Pizza or sandwiches and salads
- STEM trivia led by teen volunteers
- “Guess the Technology” game with simple household cooking tools
12:40 – 1:00 PM | Group Activity: The Science of Meatballs
A fun, theme-based demonstration:
- Why meatballs hold together (protein chemistry + binders)
- Heat transfer demo using safe props
- Link back to the workshop’s title
1:00 – 2:45 PM | Hands-On Experiment Rotations (continued)Participants rotate through 4 stations (25 minutes each) Stations may include:
- Candy Chemistry (Holiday-Themed) – Sugar crystallization, supersaturation – Candy cane or lollipop demo
- Cookie Engineering – How ingredient ratios change texture – Technology comparison: electric oven vs. Easy Bake
- Hot Chocolate Lab – Emulsions, heat transfer – Taste-testing temperature differences
- Grow Sugar or Salt Crystals – Kids take home the starter jars
2:45 – 3:00 PM | Closing, Photos & Thank You
Our Program’s Commitment
Through our partnership with the IEEE Oakland-East Bay Section, TryEngineering, and Glad Tidings, we are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Here’s why this program is unique:
Mentors Who Care: STEM professionals from your community will guide your child every step of the way.
- Hands-On Learning: Engaging activities like designing bridges, building robots, and creating LED circuits make learning exciting.
Equity in Education: Our goal is to provide access and opportunity to all children, particularly those in underrepresented communities.
Parent Involvement
We understand the vital role parents play in their child’s success. During the event, you’ll:
- See firsthand how STEM activities boost confidence and teamwork.
- Learn about free and affordable resources to continue your child’s STEM journey.
- Meet other parents who share the same goal of empowering their children.
Don’t Miss Out!
This is a chance to show your child that their dreams matter and that they belong in STEM fields. Secure your spot today!
Register by Dec. 26th
To ensure we have the proper supplies and resources, please RSVP by end of day Dec. 26, so we can better plan the workshop.
Together, let’s inspire a generation of problem solvers, innovators, and dreamers. We look forward to seeing you there!
Warm regards,
Aaron Lin, IEEE
Benita McLarin, Glad Tidings
