(Buford, Ga., July 18, 2014) – Summer is quickly coming to an end, and it will soon be time for area students to return to class.  The Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center (EHC) encourages everyone to get a head start on a great school year and enjoy fun activities connected to Science-Technology-Engineering-Math (STEM) at its first ever Back To School STEM Saturday event on Aug. 2, 2014, from 11am until 3pm.

“In today’s classroom, there is a huge focus on STEM education,” said Jason West, the EHC’s director of programming.  “It is crucial that we equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to graduate from high school, be successful in college and professional careers, and be competitive with their peers throughout the United States and the world.  Highlighting fun and exciting STEM connections is certainly one way to get the school year off on the right track.”

The event will feature a number of STEM focused activities, including the opportunity to meet a real weather scientist.  Dr. Marshall Shepherd is the Director of the University of Georgia’s Atmospheric Sciences Program and was the 2013 President of the American Meteorological Society.  In addition to consulting with both NASA and the Weather Channel, he recently co-authored a children’s book on weather and weather instruments entitled “Dr. Fred’s Weather Watch.”  Shepherd will offer a special presentation for visitors at 11:30am and 2pm as well as be available to sign copies of his book.

Participants will also get a chance to make their own weather barometer, experience extreme weather in the Discovery Dome Theater, utilize LEGO EV3 robots to survive the challenge of Nature’s Fury, and discover the physics behind the fun with the Amusement Park Science exhibit.

Program fees for the event are $5 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 3 to 12 and free for children two and younger as well as EHC members.

For more information on the Back To School STEM Saturday event and the Gwinnett Environmental and Heritage Center, visit http://www.gwinnettehc.org/.