Surgery, welding, and driving are all things that kindergarten through eighth grade students can learn about at Thursday’s STEM Fest at the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center.

The second annual festival is an opportunity for area students and their families to learn more about science, engineering, technology, and math. Director of the Kirkwood Washington Regional Center Tera Pickens explains why the event is targeted at younger students, “We really just want to be able to excite the students at a young age about the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math. Just to kind of develop that love and passion at that early age to encourage them to continue studying in those areas throughout their educational years.”

Pickens adds there will be more than 30 displays with virtual environments and hands-on activities for students to try. The STEM Fest from 4-7 p.m. Thursday is free and pre-registration is encouraged.