Hands-on STEM showcase invites the community to see creativity, teamwork and problem-solving in action
FOLSOM — Dozens of local elementary and middle school students will take center stage later this month as the FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival brings a celebration of curiosity, creativity and early engineering to Folsom Lake College.
The festival, set for Saturday, Jan. 24, invites the public to witness students from across the region present months of hands-on work through custom-built LEGO models, simple robotics and introductory coding projects. Hosted by the nonprofit Playing at Learning, the event is designed not as a competition, but as an interactive showcase that highlights how young learners can tackle real-world challenges through science, technology, engineering and math.
Participants in the Explore Festival work in small teams, collaborating on themed projects that combine research, design and problem-solving. Their efforts culminate in motorized LEGO creations and “Show Me” posters that walk visitors through each team’s creative process, from early ideas to final designs. Throughout the afternoon, students share their work with reviewers, family members and community guests in a supportive, encouraging environment that emphasizes learning over winning.
Unlike traditional robotics competitions, the Explore Festival is intentionally structured as a celebration of effort and growth. Students are encouraged to explain what they learned, how they worked together and how their ideas evolved along the way, helping build communication skills alongside technical confidence.
“We are excited to bring this festival to the Folsom community to show how much these young students can achieve when given the right tools,” said Jill Wilker, CEO of Playing at Learning. “This event is the perfect opportunity for families, educators, and local leaders to see the impact of hands-on STEM learning. We hope to inspire more students to join a team and more adults to mentor the next generation of problem-solvers.”
The event also serves as an entry point for families and educators who may be new to robotics and coding programs. Representatives from Playing at Learning will be available throughout the festival to answer questions about starting new FIRST LEGO League teams, classroom integration and volunteer opportunities. Organizers say early exposure to robotics and engineering helps students develop confidence and curiosity that can carry into future academic paths and careers in STEM fields.
Community support plays a key role in making the festival possible. The Folsom event is supported by volunteers and sponsors committed to expanding access to youth-driven STEM initiatives across Northern California, ensuring students of all backgrounds have opportunities to explore technology and innovation at a young age.
The FIRST LEGO League Explore Festival will be held Saturday, Jan. 24, beginning at 2 p.m. at Folsom Lake College, located at 10 College Parkway in Folsom. The event is free and open to the public.
Additional information about attending the festival, starting a team or signing up to volunteer can be found at playingatlearning.org.
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