Science and Technology Festival Makes a Comeback in Lodi

The NorCal Science and Technology Festival is set to return to Lodi for its ninth annual event. The festival will showcase close to 90 booths featuring virtual-reality headsets, a hydroponic garden, interactive exhibits, and experiments in STEM fields. The event aims to promote STEM engagement among students, educators, and the San Joaquin County community.

One of the highlights of the festival will be the Starborn Academy Uplift Aerospace virtual reality astronaut program by Magnitude.io. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience space exploration through 10 available headsets at the Lodi High campus.

In addition, Lodi Unified teachers will showcase projects such as a hydroponic garden, with the hope of implementing similar gardens in all campuses. Hydroponics, a plant-growing technique that uses water-based nutrient solutions instead of soil, will be demonstrated at the festival.

More emphasis will be placed on agricultural exhibits this year, with presentations on grape harvesters and conservation efforts by LangeTwins Winery. The festival founder, Julie Fukunaga, created the event in 2016 to boost STEAM engagement in the community.

The festival, which has been traditionally held at Tokay High School, was moved to the Lodi High campus last year. This year’s event will take place in the Lodi High courtyard and individual classes. Admission is free, and food trucks will be onsite for refreshments.

Organizers encourage people of all ages to attend the festival to experience STEAM activities. The event is not just for kids, but also for college students, adults, and families. More information about the festival can be found at www.norcalsciencefestival.org or www.facebook.com/norcalsciencefestival.