From Sand to Stars: A Semiconductor Adventure

On Display Through December 24 | Arizona Science Center

Jump into the nano-world of microchips in From Sand to Stars: A Semiconductor Adventure. Discover how tiny grains of sand become the big brains behind the technology that powers our world and improves our lives. Experiment, play, and imagine the invisible atomic layers that power today’s chips and tomorrow’s dreams.

ASM, a global leader in semiconductor equipment and process technology, invites you on a captivating journey through the life of a microchip. This immersive experience demystifies the intricate chip-making process, revealing the scientific marvels behind the advanced technology we rely on every day.

As Arizona’s semiconductor industry continues to thrive, ASM is committed to inspiring the next generation through STEM education. Since 1976, ASM has operated its largest research and development lab in The Valley. Nearly five decades later, the company stands at the forefront of relentless innovation and breakthrough technologies.

This exhibition—From sand to stars: A semiconductor adventure—is designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding among kids and the broader community. It showcases how semiconductor science is shaping our world and powering the future.

Grand Canyon University's Cyber Con

3rd Thursdays of each month @ 4:00-6:00 PM | Virtual

Open to high school students and up.

Barret-Jackson's Gearing Towards The Future

Gearing Towards The Future is Barrett-Jackson’s community, education and outreach initiative focused on STEM education presented by Honeywell. The goal of the program is to serve a leading role in encouraging and developing future automotive engineers and technicians.

STEM Fest is a one-day event, held on January 17th, 2026 during the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale Auction, January 17-25, 2026 and helps launch Gearing Towards the Future. STEM Fest introduces Gearing Towards The Future student activities and Sponsors focused on STEM initiatives. Barrett-Jackson, in partnership with the Arizona SciTech Institute, bring together STEM programs and companies for an interactive event introducing students to the STEM community and programming here in Arizona! All ages are welcome. STEM Fest activities are geared towards school-aged students as well as teachers. To attend STEM Fest you will need to purchase a ticket to the Barrett-Jackson 2026 Scottsdale Auction.

Presidential AI Challenge

The Presidential AI Challenge is a national challenge where K-12 youth, educators, mentors, and community teams come together to solve real-world problems in their communities using AI-powered solutions with an opportunity to showcase their solutions at a national level. Students and educators of all backgrounds and expertise are encouraged to participate and ignite a new spirit of innovation as we celebrate 250 years of independence and look forward to the next 250 years.

Student participants will complete a project that involves the study, development, or use of an AI method or tool to address community challenges, while educators will focus on creative approaches to teaching or using AI technologies in K-12 learning.

Eligibility | Register & Complete the Challenge | Resources

Arizona Science and Engineering Fair

The Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF) is the state science fair for Arizona. Managed by Arizona Science Center, AzSEF brings together first-place winners from school, homeschool, district, county, and regional science fairs across Arizona to compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and scholarships. The Grand Award winners in the Senior Division from the state-level fair will be selected to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (RISEF).

• February 2nd, 2026: Registration Opens
• March 7, 2026: Last day for a qualifying school, homeschool, district or regional fair to be completed in order for students to register for AzSEF
• March 11, 2026: Registration closes
• March 26 and 27, 2026: AzSEF Event
• March 28, 2026: Awards Ceremony at Arizona Science Center

International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Regeneron ISEF is coming to Phoenix, Arizona! The Regeneron ISEF event week will be held from May 9-15, 2026 at the Phoenix Convention Center.

Each year, students from more than 60 countries, regions and territories compete in ISEF across 22 different STEM disciplines.

Currently sponsored by Regeneron, ISEF awards nearly $9 million in prizes and scholarships to high school scientists each year, with a top prize of $100,000. Two films released in 2018, Inventing Tomorrow and Science Fair, documented several students’ pathways to ISEF and their experiences during the weeklong competition. Filmed at Regeneron ISEF 2022, National Geographic’s award winning show Science Fair: The Series follows several U.S. and international students as they navigate their way to ISEF.

Intel® Education Outreach Day 2026

The Intel® Education Outreach Day 2026 at the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) will be in Phoenix, Arizona on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at the Phoenix Convention Center from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm.

This is a unique opportunity for local teachers to bring their students in grades 6-12 to meet ISEF finalists from around the world to learn about project ideation, research design, and overcoming challenges. Student attendees will also participate in many hands-on, interactive STEM activities from many organizations who offer local and national STEM resources and career connections. Intel® Education Outreach Day will instill a sense of awe and excitement in local students, inspiring many to leave with their own scientific questions that could be used to create a research project in the future.

Eligible Grades: 6-12 | Sign Up Deadline: March 31, 2026