OTTUMWA, IA -- John Deere Sponsors John Deere Ottumwa Works will sponsor one of 27 host sites across Iowa to bring math and science hands-on activities for moms and other caregivers as part of a statewide science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) celebration called Moms Night Out for STEM on April 23, 2012, at Indian Hills Community College, Advanced Technology Building, Room 122 from 7-8:30 p.m..

Moms Night Out for STEM (MNOS) was a brainstorm by the Iowa Mathematics and Science Education Partnership (IMSEP) and the Iowa State College of Engineering to inspire primary caretakers, particularly moms, to get 'hands on' with their children's math and science education.

“Parents figure prominently in the equation for children to see STEM careers in a more positive and desirable light,” said Jeff Weld, Director of IMSEP. “Moms Night Out for STEM gives parents and caretakers the opportunity to embrace STEM as a pursuit for their children’s future, rather than a scary subject they didn’t like in school.”

Moms Night Out for STEM, a satellite event for the second USA Science & Engineering Festival, will feature hands on experiences with local teachers and researchers to show how mathematics and science can be fun. It will also include items for parents to take home and use with their children.

Ottumwa is putting a local angle on this event by having a hands on activity for parents to work on, as well as demonstrations of experiments you can do at home with your children.  Amber Pargmann, Engineering Team Leader, will give a short talk on the different types of engineering.  Child care will be available in room 125 of the Advanced Technology Building.

This is the second year John Deere Ottumwa Works has been involved.  STEM is important for students’ everyday lives as well as their careers.   Deere is happy to promote this program.

Iowa Moms Night Out for STEM satellite event is one of dozens of events conducted across the nation in celebration of the second USA Science & Engineering Festival, to be held in Washington D.C. on April 28-29, 2012. Types of organizations participating in this event include museums, schools, labs and libraries where moms and other caregivers can go to network and learn the best ways to inspire a love of STEM in their children.

Growing the event from 19 in the first year offered to this year’s 27 locations could not be possible without the help many volunteers willing to host any event, as well as with the support of premiere sponsor, John Deere, with promotional support from Iowa Public Television (IPTV).

This event is free and open to the public. To register for the event nearest you, contact Marsha Parker or visit www.iowamathscience.org.