STEM Event at Fox Valley Tech Sparks Curiosity in Middle Schoolers

Michigan Tech's Mind Trekkers showcase STEM applications to over 1,400 students

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Over 1,400 middle school students in the Fox Valley region are getting hands-on experience with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) career pathways through a STEM Possible Fest event hosted by Michigan Tech's Mind Trekkers at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Why it matters

Exposing middle school students to STEM fields and careers at a young age can help spark their interest and curiosity, potentially leading them to pursue STEM-related education and careers in the future. This event aims to make STEM concepts more tangible and engaging for students.

The details

The Mind Trekkers showcase STEM applications through creative experiments, such as playing a banana piano, skewing a balloon without popping it, and stepping inside a giant bubble. The event allows students to interact directly with people currently working in STEM fields and see how classroom concepts relate to real-world jobs and industries.

  • The STEM Possible Fest event took place on Thursday, February 19, 2026.
  • The event will continue on Friday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Michigan Tech's Mind Trekkers

A group that travels nationwide to promote STEM through creative experiments and demonstrations.

Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC)

The college that hosted the STEM Possible Fest event in Appleton, Wisconsin.

Amanda Martzahl

A K-12 Career Discovery Specialist who commented on the event.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's showcasing a lot of different scientific concepts that students have probably been learning in the classroom, and how it relates to jobs in the industry.”

— Amanda Martzahl, K-12 Career Discovery Specialist (wearegreenbay.com)

The takeaway

Events like the STEM Possible Fest at Fox Valley Technical College are crucial for sparking middle school students' interest in STEM fields and helping them visualize how classroom learning connects to real-world careers. Exposing students to hands-on STEM activities and interactions with STEM professionals can inspire them to pursue STEM-related education and jobs in the future.