This fall Baltimore County 4-H is hosting a Homeschool STEM Day on October 15, 2026 from 1-3 pm. The theme is Honoring Hispanic STEM Pioneers. At this event we will highlight the innovation, creativity and contributions of these scientists to the greater community. For this fair-style event, we will highlight each scientist, share their contributions, and include a hands-on activity to complement the learning. Activities are geared toward 6- to 18-year-olds, and families are welcome to "drop in" at any time during the event. There is no fee to attend, and activities can serve as a starting point for deeper conversations or extension lessons at home.

The list of trailblazers we plan to highlight is below:

Ellen Ochoa — Engineer and astronaut; the first Hispanic woman in space. Her engineering work included optical systems used in image processing.
Mario Molina — Chemist and Nobel Prize winner whose research helped explain how chlorofluorocarbons damage the ozone layer.
Luis Walter Alvarez — Physicist and Nobel Prize winner known for major contributions to particle physics and for helping develop the asteroid-impact theory linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs.
Ynes Mexia — Botanist and plant collector who documented thousands of plant specimens across the Americas, including many previously unknown to science.
Guillermo González Camarena — Engineer and inventor who developed an early color television transmission system.
Carlos Juan Finlay — Physician and scientist who helped establish that mosquitoes transmit yellow fever.
Albert Báez — Physicist who helped develop important X-ray imaging techniques and advanced the use of X-rays in scientific research.
Antonia Novello — Physician and public health leader who became the first Hispanic U.S. Surgeon General.
Dr. Benigno “Ben” Villalon — Texas A&M plant scientist and pepper breeder known for developing improved chile pepper varieties, including the TAM Mild Jalapeño, and for breeding peppers for disease resistance

To register, please click https://forms.gle/QbyeGX6GNt786DRo9 to sign up! See you soon!