MASON CITY, Iowa – Hundreds of people came out to the North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) on Saturday for the first-annual NIACC STEM Festival.

The public event allowed people to get their hands on a variety of activities using the concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

The goal is to increase interest in STEM for Pre-K-12 students.

Kelly Bergman, STEM North Central Regional Manager, told KIMT that this is a great event for students in that age range.

“It’s an opportunity to learn a little bit about everything in science, technology, engineering, and math – the activities appeal on all different levels,” said Bergman. “We have a planetarium, we have a crane that children can operate – so it’s interesting to see how some students like to do something quiet and hands on.”

She also says it took a team effort to make the event possible.

“What we’ve done is invited businesses and community organizations to join us and they put together hands-on activities around STEM that is relevant to their organization and business.”

The new event drew over 400 people in attendance.