The University of Texas Permian Basin hosted the third annual STEAMfest on Saturday, October 19, 2024.
Over 300 people attended STEAMfest, which stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. There were a variety interactive and educational activities for children including robots, lava cakes, pottery, a volcano, raffle, and more!
“Our main goal was to create a venue for children and their parents to have a day of educational fun in the Permian Basin and to motivate them to participate in STEAM activities, with the end goal of increasing participation in the Permian Basin Science and Engineering Fair,” said Associate Chemistry Professor and STEAMfest Host Dr. Milka Montes.
A number of organizations and community partners participated in the event, including the UTPB Makerspace, Midland ISD, Midland College, Zoo Midland, ECISD, STEM Academy, the UTPB Art Department, and many more.

“Kids particularly liked the fact that it was ‘sciency,’ and they could do experiments, eat lava cakes, and that we had a volcano. They also enjoyed making things in the makerspace and being able to watch the robots, and the robotic competition,” said Dr. Montes.
UTPB students collaborated and built a 14-foot-tall functioning volcano exhibit for this year’s event.
“Collectively, they created the volcano's structure, giving it a realistic look. The shape and the model reflected accurate volcanic formations and colors. Chemistry students prepared a safe ‘lava’ eruption mixture, with mechanisms that allowed the volcano to erupt on cue,” said Dr. Montes.
The event was made possible by the 77 volunteers composed of UTPB faculty, staff, students, and alumni. STEAMfest’s 2024 sponsors were Diamondback Energy, Exxonmobil, Eastland Oil, Bonifay Engineering, and the WEX Foundation.

The 41st Regional Permian Basin Science and Engineering Fair is on Saturday, February 15th, 2025. More information about the fair can be found here.