Summer SPARKS STEM
Summer Learning Sparks Innovation Across Wyoming
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. But it’s much more than an acronym. STEM is a dynamic way of thinking and solving problems. It’s how we understand the natural world, design solutions for real-life challenges, and build the future.
Emily Vercoe, WYEN Program Associate: “STEM learning thrives beyond classroom walls—in museums, makerspaces, summer camps, and everyday curiosity. These informal spaces spark wonder without the pressure of grades, allowing young minds to tinker, explore, and discover that science isn’t just a subject to study, but a lens through which to understand and shape the world around them.”
Why is STEM Important?
According to STEM Next, “One of the primary goals of engineering education is to promote development of an engineering mindset. An engineering mindset refers to the values, attitudes, and thinking skills associated with engineering. Engineers solve problems using systematic, iterative processes… Though the products of engineering are diverse, engineers approach their work using a common set of engineering practices. High-quality engineering experiences that engage youth in these practices help them develop and strengthen an engineering mindset.”
The Wyoming Enrichment Network is thrilled that the Cowboy State has had two representatives on the STEM Next Flight Crew. In 2024, it was Ally from Lander. In 2025, it was Ellie from Douglas. The initiative helps young people build leadership skills and raise awareness about the importance of STEM beyond the classroom by amplifying their voices in local communities and on state and national platforms.
Examples of STEM Work Across Wyoming
This summer, the third cohort of Summer STEM Fellowship is helping youth connect with STEM in meaningful, hands-on ways. These college students bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to summer programs statewide, serving as mentors and delivering engaging STEM activities. Fellows participate in in-person and virtual workshops to grow their skills in youth development, facilitation, and STEM programming. Near-peer mentors can make an outsized difference in young people’s lives. We believe that when college students return to their home communities, they add capacity, enthusiasm, and become powerful role models. See an example of one of their favorite activities below!
Wyoming PBS partnered with Science Kids in Sheridan to create Nature WY, a digital educational series focused on outdoor science and nature and developed for children 6-8 years old (or really, ALL learners from 2 to 102!). Each episode has an activity guide for use at home and a lesson plan aligned to state and common core standards. Topics in the first season include watersheds, macroinvertebrates, catching insects, becoming a keen observer using all your senses, and insect habitats. (Get NatureWY lesson plans!)
Wyoming State Parks offer fun, educational programs like the Junior Ranger Program. It’s available at a number of locations, including Seminoe. Learn more from Wyoming Public Media. And libraries are joining in through the Check Out State Parks program, which offers free day-use passes and backpacks filled with gear like binoculars and compasses. It’s a great way for families to explore the outdoors and spark curiosity in nature. Learn more from Cowboy State Daily.
The Get Wild Wyoming initiative is a partnership between the Wyoming Department of Education, Wyoming State Parks, Wyoming Game and Fish, Wyoming Department of Health and the Wyoming Department of Family Services. Get Wild Wyoming focuses on supporting the overall mental and physical wellness of a child through nature-based education. From improving mood to increasing activity levels, nature can nurture us. Research shows that there are many benefits for children who spend time outside. Nature-based education can increase prosocial development, physical activity, and language development in addition to increasing a child’s connection to and respect for nature.
Project Learning Tree is an award-winning environmental education program designed for teachers and other educators, parents, and community leaders working with youth from preschool through grade 12. Be sure to check out the Wyoming PLT guidebook: “Exploring Wyoming’s Natural Environments.”
Try This! Activities for Programs and Families
Discover How STEM is All Around with the WYEN Summer STEM Cohort: A popular activity with the WY Summer STEM Cohort this year was a scavenger hunt in which participants had to find examples of STEM all around them. Families set out to explore and discuss the different items on the list and how they connected to STEM. It was a great opportunity to think critically about the curious ways that STEM shows up in our daily lives.
Explore Your Ecosystem with the Wyoming Weed & Pest Council: This activity encourages free exploration and can work well with 2nd grade through high school. The goal can be checking off 5-in-a-row or getting a blackout or anything in between. You may wish to create a sheet to match the ecosystem in your area. The squares can be as complex as “Evidence of Ecological Competition” or as simple as “something that smells good.” Contact your local Weed & Pest District if you need help identifying good locations to explore. They might even be able to help with a visit to your program or a field trip. Download it here.
Meta Dittmer, Education Program Coordinator for Teton County Weed & Pest: “When kids are out of school, snow is gone and plants have reclaimed the landscape. There is an opportunity to see and experience what was previously learned in the classroom.”
Color a Bighorn: The National Big Horn Sheep Center provides education and outreach for the national conservation of wild sheep, wildlife, and wildlands. Check their webiste at for a fun selection of coloring sheets, a maze, and other activities for young people, including this “Color a Bighorn” sheet.
Make a Cloud Mobile with NASA: Learn about clouds while you make a craft to hang indoors or outdoors. Your mobile will have four kinds of clouds: cumulonimbus, cirrus, cumulus and nimbostratus clouds. The webpage features a video to how how to make a mobile. Note: This is a great way to add Art into STEM to make STEAM!
For Programs: Request a Crate from Wyoming Game & Fish: Conservation Crates include WGFD-approved lesson plans for all grade levels and the materials to implement them. Educators across the state are encouraged to borrow these Crates from regional Game and Fish offices. And, if you have a Game & Fish Office in your area, you might be able to stop in for a field trip! The office in Lander has an educational area that’s great for families to explore.
Keep Learning!
Want to see more? Visit wyoenrichmentnetwork.org/summer-sparks to explore other stories. Share your own summer learning experiences using #SummerLearningWeek and #ThriveBeyondTheBell.
Igniting Curiosity, Connection, and Growth All Summer Long
The Wyoming Enrichment Network is celebrating National Summer Learning Week (July 14–18, 2025) by spotlighting the amazing ways communities across the state are helping young people stay curious, connected, and growing all summer long.
Mission: We bridge the gap between Wyoming’s out-of-school programs and the communities they uplift, fueling them with resources, support and opportunities that inspire lifelong learning, growth and connection.
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