Rockets and robots, solar systems and building blocks, the STEAM Expo has it all – Macomb Daily

The STEAM Expo at this year’s Selfridge Open House and Air Show going on June 8 and 9 has something interesting for everyone, especially kids. As shown here, Mobile Ed will be bringing a number of cool activities to inspire children of all ages. Photo courtesy of Mobile Ed

The Selfridge Open House Air Show and STEAM Expo going on June 8-9 will be as much fun on the ground as watching it in the air.

“There’s going to be a lot going on,” said Chief Master Sgt. Tim Huhtasaari, Michigan Air National Guard, A-10 Maintenance Operations, who has spent months putting together a list of participants for the expo. “We have a number of robotic teams from different high schools and middle schools participating. I A.M. Robot and Fighting Pi are coming and several other organizations.”

Visitors will not only get to see the robots but interact with them.

“They’re going to allow people to operate their non-competitive robots,” Huhtasaari said, and while the robotic teams are a big part of the expo there are plenty of other displays geared around science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

Want to see how pedaling a bicycle can generate electricity?

Ever wondered what it might be like to be a surgeon or a construction worker?

Macomb Technical Center will have a virtual reality display that gives visitors an idea of what it would actually be like performing tasks like constructing a bridge or performing open heart surgery.

Love rockets and anything to do with space?

The Michigan Science Center will be bringing a dome that allows one to immerse themselves in a unique solar space experience. A 45-minute program for 30 people at a time will be presented throughout the day.

A local astronomer club is also participating and chances are they’re going to have some cool telescopes.

Youngsters who have seen the shows presented by Mobile Ed will be delighted to know they are coming and will be bringing along interactive activities such as coding and spider robotics for elementary and middle school-age students.

Among the things that will be there are building blocks, big enough to create arches and bridges they can walk under.

For kids who love planes there will be the real jets, helicopters, cargo planes and vintage planes flying in the air or stationed on the ground, where they can be touched, as well as hobbyists flying radio-controlled replicas. The arts are also part of the expo and that includes creative activities, demonstrations and music provided by the University of Michigan band.

“It’s been a challenge pulling all of this together,” said Huhtasaari, who has an interest in science and volunteered for direct the expo. “It was hard to find the right people in charge of the groups.”

That’s where Selfridge Base Community Council came to his rescue, connecting him with the contacts he needed.

“Everyone who is going to be coming is set with the exception of a few minor details,” Huhtasaari said, noting. “I think there’s something interesting for everyone to see at expo.”

FYI

The 2024 Selfridge Open House Air Show and Expo will be held June 8-9 at Selfridge Air National Guard base in Harrison Township.

The gate to the base will open to the public at 8 a.m. Flying starts at 10 a.m. and all portions of the show will end at 4 p.m.

Hall Road will be closed. Visitors will need to take 21 Mile Road to Jefferson Avenue and follow it to the main gate on the base. Organizers encourage visitors to arrive early. Designated parking areas will be set up and shuttle buses provided by Macomb Intermediate School District will be running all day.

Guests will find food and beverages at the show (even free water), along with shaded areas, family nursing and changing areas, handicap accessible entries and a viewing area reserved for veterans. The aerial demonstrations will be visible from the tarmac but preferred seating options are available for groups and individuals, at a cost.

Strollers are allowed but there are items that are prohibited.

Also, the military expects more than 100,000 people to visit the show so many volunteers are still needed.

For more information visit teamselfridge.com/.