Robots, Catapults, LEGO Challenges and a Mad Scientist? Kinnikinnick's First STEAM Night Promises Fun for the Whole Family

What happens when you combine robots, LEGO building, catapults, music, and a scientist known as Dr. Kinnikinstein?

Families across the Kinnikinnick School District are about to find out.

On Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026 from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Roscoe Middle School, students and families are invited to take part in the district's first-ever STEAM Night, an interactive evening packed with hands-on activities designed to spark creativity, curiosity and a love of learning.

The free community event expands on science nights held before the pandemic, bringing together all elements of STEAM: science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. Organizers hope it becomes a signature event that grows larger each year.

"This is our first STEAM Night," said Crystal Ellis, 2nd and 3rd Grade learning specialist at Stone Creek School and a member of the district's instructional technology team. "We wanted to bring science, technology, engineering, arts and math together and create an experience where families can have fun learning outside the classroom."

Families can move between stations featuring robotics programming, engineering challenges, creative arts projects and designed activities suitable for a wide range of ages.

Engineering-minded students can test their skills by building marshmallow catapults, and designing towers from toothpicks and marshmallows.

For those drawn to the arts, participants can build and decorate whistles while exploring how music and design connect with STEAM education.

Adding to the excitement, local partner Kids' Spot will showcase 3D printing technology, giving families a glimpse into real-world applications of design and innovation.

And then there's Dr. Kinnikinstein.

Roscoe Middle School science teacher Mr. Bergler will transform into the event's resident mad scientist, leading engineering activities and presenting a special live science demonstration at 6 p.m.

"It's going to be a big show," Ellis said. "That's definitely something families won't want to miss."

While the evening promises plenty of entertainment, the organizing team says the deeper goal is helping families see the innovative learning opportunities happening every day inside Kinnikinnick District classrooms.

One example is the growing collection of robotics tools and technology purchased through grants and district initiatives.

"I want families to see the amazing things we actually have in our classrooms," Ellis said. "These are opportunities students are working with and learning from throughout the year."

The event is being coordinated by the district's iCoach team, technology-focused educators, administrators. As well as approximately 20 to 30 teachers volunteering who are donating their time to create the experience.

"It's really a showcase of the awesome things our students and teachers are doing in our district," Ellis said. "But it's also about having fun together as a community."

Students who attend will also have a chance to win one of 66 take-home LEGO kits through a raffle made possible by an Illinois Education Association SCORE Grant. The kits will be awarded following the event.

The Roscoe Middle School National Junior Honor Society will host a concession stand offering pizza, candy, drinks and snacks. Donations will also be accepted at the door and at concessions. The Roscoe Middle School National Junior Honor Society was one of the first groups to set up and support the first STEAM Night.

Organizers say proceeds will help establish a fund to support future STEAM Nights and expand programming opportunities.

"We want to make it bigger and better every year," iCoach said. "The goal is to eventually bring in even more community partners and special programs that may have a cost associated with them. Donations this year will help us continue growing the event."

For Ellis, whose passion for educational technology recently earned statewide recognition through the Illinois Digital Educators Alliance, STEAM Night reflects something bigger than robots and gadgets.

Technology may be advancing rapidly, she said, but meaningful learning still happens when students are actively creating, exploring and solving problems.

"Even as the tech-focused teachers in the district, we believe balance is important," Ellis said. "Technology should be used intentionally, but hands-on experiences matter too. This event gives students and families the chance to experience both."

Whether a child dreams of becoming an engineer, scientist, artist, programmer or inventor, organizers believe there will be something to capture every imagination.

The message from Kinnikinnick educators is simple:

The doors are open. Bring your family, explore, create and discover what STEAM can make possible.

STEAM Night

When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 5:30-7 p.m.
Where: Roscoe Middle School - Activity entrance on the West Side of the building
Cost: Free admission - Donations accepted to support future STEAM Night programming and community partnerships.
Features: Robotics, coding, LEGO building, engineering challenges, arts activities, 3D printing demonstrations, raffle prizes and a live Dr. Kinnikinstein science show at 6 p.m.