7th annual Energy Day Festival

The 7th annual Energy Day Festival will take place Sat., Oct. 21, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Sam Houston Park. Energy Day, a free event geared towards students of all ages, will continue its tradition of connecting industry employers to their future workforce by showcasing exciting state-of-the-art technologies and innovations that only those equipped with classroom skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics can fulfill. Consumer Energy Alliance and Consumer Energy Education Foundation will donate $10,000 to help Houston-area classrooms rebuild following Hurricane Harvey during the festival.

Energy Day comes at a time when the energy and manufacturing sectors continue to face a shortage of workers equipped with STEM-related skills, as evidenced by the U.S. ranking 38th out of 71 countries in math scores and 24th in science, according to recent international testing results. According to Pew, only 29 percent of Americans rated U.S. STEM education above average for K-12 as recently as 2015.

With more than 50 interactive exhibits and demonstrations from many of Houston's leading companies, each exhibit is designed to spark interest in STEM by highlighting ongoing advancements in energy and various high-tech careers. Exhibits include air cannons, catapults, hydro-blasters, and Solar Ovens which roast marshmallows without fire. The outdoor festival will also feature food, music, games, contests and more.