FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Mia Augillard
Director of Communications
STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action
maugillard@stemnola.com
STEM NOLA to Host “The Force of Friction” STEM Saturday on August 8, 2026
Hands-On STEM Experience for K-12 Students to Discover the Principles of Friction, and Design, Build, and Test Their Own Hovercraft
NEW ORLEANS, LA — STEM NOLA, in partnership with Entergy, NORD, Training Grounds, the City of New Orleans, and the New Orleans City Council, is excited to present STEM Saturday: The Force of Friction on Saturday, August 8, 2026, from 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM at the Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center.
This free, hands-on STEM experience invites K-12 students to build and test their own hovercraft while exploring the fascinating science of friction, force, motion, and engineering design.
As part of STEM NOLA’s signature STEM Saturday series, The Force of Friction transforms scientific concepts into engaging, hands-on learning experiences that inspire curiosity and creativity. Through interactive activities, students will discover how friction influences movement and innovation while applying engineering principles to design, build, and test their own hovercraft alongside STEM professionals and volunteers.
“One of the best ways to inspire the next generation of innovators is to let them experience science firsthand,” said Dr. Calvin Mackie, Founder and CEO of STEM NOLA. “When students build and test their own hovercraft, they aren’t just learning about friction—they’re discovering how STEM empowers them to solve problems, think critically, and imagine what’s possible. We look forward to welcoming families for another exciting STEM Saturday.”
Event Highlights
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Hovercraft Building: Participants design, build, and test their own hovercraft!
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Hands-On STEM Learning: Students will dive into essential STEM concepts through the principles of friction.
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Free and Open to All K-12 Students: This event is designed for students of all experience levels and is open to the community.
Registration
Space is limited! Parents and guardians are encouraged to register their students early to secure their spot.
Register here:
https://registration.stemnola.com/
Volunteers Needed
STEM professionals and college students are invited to volunteer and help inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, and innovators. Undergraduate college student volunteers receive a $50 stipend.
Volunteer here:
https://stemnola.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=1288112
Event Details
Date: Saturday, August 8, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location:
Andrew P. Sanchez & Copelin-Byrd Multi-Service Center
1616 Fats Domino Ave
New Orleans, LA 70117
About STEM NOLA | STEM Global Action
Founded by Dr. Calvin Mackie, STEM NOLA is dedicated to exposing, engaging, and inspiring students in grades K-12 to the world of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Through hands-on programs and immersive learning experiences, STEM NOLA provides opportunities for students to build the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue careers in STEM fields.
STEM Global Action, the nationwide expansion of STEM NOLA, aims to bring these experiences to communities across the U.S. and help develop a diverse and skilled workforce for the future.