Fresno State’s College of Science and Mathematics will host a Maker Fair to celebrate the National Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 10, at the Science 2 building courtyard and field (2576 E. San Ramon Ave.). 

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering research in the United States. Driving innovation and economic growth, the foundation provides key funding for research, education and training. 

Originally started by Make Magazine, Maker Faires are public gatherings that support engagement in making and creativity. Sharing roots with makerspaces, hackerspaces, arts and crafts, as well as robotics and coding, the Maker Faire is designed to share the excitement of making and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with the public. 

Fresno State’s Maker Faire is just one event around the country to celebrate this important milestone.

“Locally, this event provides an exciting opportunity for Fresno community members and young students to experience STEM in a playful environment,” said Dr. Alexandria Hansen, associate professor of biology. “It also provides opportunities for Fresno State faculty, students and community members to showcase their work via demos and projects. Broadly, results from this event and lessons learned will be shared with the larger communities of NSF and Make.”

This event will feature nearly 30 booths that invite attendees to engage in hands-on STEM activities such as building robots, motors, light-up circuits, air rockets and more. 

For demonstrations, attendees can wear virtual reality headsets to see astronomy, watch the creation of elephant toothpaste and even see battle bots in action.

There will also be several classroom workshops for attendees to engage in projects. A free show at the Downing Planetarium will be held from noon to 1 p.m. The event will have a DJ and food trucks for attendees to enjoy.

“We are excited to celebrate NSF and its investment in STEM and the Fresno community,” Hansen said. “Several NSF-funded projects from Fresno State will be highlighted at this event. Look for special signage at booths that have been supported by NSF.” 

The Maker Faire aligns with the afterschool STEM program, Mobile Making. The program launched in 2022 with funding from the National Science Foundation and is led by Dr. Ali Hansen and Dr. Myung Shin of the liberal studies program, in collaboration with Fresno Unified School District.

Through the program, Fresno State students bring creative, hands-on projects for youth to make in afterschool settings. Since its launch, the program has expanded to nine schools and reaches thousands of students, with plans to continue beyond the initial funding. To expand its impact, the National Science Foundation awarded additional funding to support a community STEM event, which inspired the planning of the Maker Faire.

Graduate psychology student Trinity Banuelos currently works with the Mobile Making program as a graduate assistant. When she heard about the Maker Faire, she applied to provide social media management and event support.

“This event is special because it brings the community together to celebrate the National

Science Foundation’s 75th anniversary as well as the success of the Mobile Making

Program,” Banuelos said. “All of us who have worked hard to make this event happen want to provide an accessible and enjoyable experience for the community.”

The event is free and open to the public. To register, visit https://bit.ly/fsmakerfaire25.