From building stethoscopes to experimenting with artificial intelligence, Harper College’s 4th Annual STEAM Fair invites the community to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math through hands-on discovery.
The free event, presented by Harper College in partnership with Microsoft, will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, on campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Designed for students, families and lifelong learners, the STEAM Fair transforms Harper’s Avanté Center (Buildings X and Z) into an interactive learning environment where curiosity leads the way. Attendees can move from station to station, engaging with activities that range from creative arts to cutting-edge technology.
The day will begin with a keynote and panel from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. (registration required because seating is limited). The session will feature industry leaders who bring a range of perspectives from technology, healthcare and personal development. Speakers include Ralph Babusci, a strategic senior AI business solution specialist at Microsoft; Haripriya Mehta, a Microsoft software engineer and co-founder of MehtA+; Omar Naik, senior director of global strategic accounts in MedTech; Laylah Bulman, senior product manager of Minecraft; and Falguni Shah, founder of ForTruthlighting and a bestselling author.
The fair continues from there, allowing younger participants to explore foundational STEM concepts by building their own stethoscopes, creating Morse code bracelets or experimenting with Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming platform. Other highlights include a musical petting zoo, dance workshops, robot driving demonstrations and engineering challenges.
Interactive exhibits will also showcase emerging technologies. Participants can build a simple neural network to create an AI pencil wand, design their own AI assistant through a process called vibe coding or experiment with physics demonstrations led by industry professionals, including a Van de Graaff generator and musical Tesla coil.
Creative expression is also part of the experience. Visitors can make their own zines with guidance from Harper’s Zine Club or create hologram-inspired phone accessories using Pepper’s ghost techniques.
For teens and adults, the fair offers opportunities to explore career pathways and develop new skills. Sessions include introductions to data analytics, hands-on workshops using Microsoft Copilot and guided brainstorming activities powered by AI. A featured discussion on communication and leadership will focus on building confidence and personal agency.
In addition, Harper is hosting the Drone Experience and Safety Day in accordance with the STEAM Fair. The annual event runs from noon to 5 p.m. in Building D and outside at the Ender Pavilion (weather permitting). Visitors can attend “power talks” from drone technology experts, followed by youth-centered activities from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. and demonstrations from 2:30 to 5 p.m.
Throughout the day, attendees will have the chance to connect with educators, students and industry professionals while gaining insight into the many ways STEAM fields intersect in today’s world. For more information, visit events.harpercollege.edu.