STEM Skate Off!

STEM and hockey united for a night full of fun and discovery at the STEM Skate Off at Xtream Arena, hosted by IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering, Shoemaker and Haaland, and the Iowa Heartlanders.

Hockey fans of all ages filled Lander’s Game Trail to explore a wide range of dynamic, interactive booths, bringing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to life. Visitors immersed themselves in hands-on activities ranging from hydroscience and engineering to health care and robotics. Kids and parents alike built clay canoes to test their engineering skills, created STEM-themed buttons and bracelets, explored and learned about watersheds and flooding, and even got a glimpse of their town or home from space.

The game began with the honorary puck drop, courtesy of Taylor McCabe, a civil and environmental engineering student and Iowa women’s basketball standout. College of Engineering Dean Ann McKenna welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of engaging young minds in STEM. Adding to the excitement, IIHR Director Larry Weber and David Blanco, program manager with Shoemaker and Halland, faced off in a trivia challenge, “Stump an Engineer,” on the big screen. Mascots Dash and Herky also made their rounds, stopping at booths and posing for photos with hockey fans.

The evening finished on the ice as the Heartlanders took on the Indy Fuel for a fast-paced and exciting matchup, capping off the night with a win for the home team. 

Thanks to everyone who joined the fun!