COEUR d’ALENE — The gears were turning in 8-year-old Karter’s young mind Thursday night during the Ramsey Magnet School of Science STEM Night.  

“It’s not working because the back wheels don’t work,” Karter hypothesized after his LEGO car fell off a wooden ramp. Karter then adjusted the wheels, which resulted in a more successful launch. 

“Some of the ramps are too steep, but this one is good!” Karter explained as he relaunched his car.

Over 150 families attended Thursday's STEM Night, where students like Karter could participate in a variety of science and engineering-based experiments and demonstrations. 

“Sometimes school can feel ‘not fun’ for kids,” said fifth grade teacher Tara Gray. “This is a great way to build up our school community in a fun way.”

Parents were equally enthusiastic about the hands-on learning opportunity. 

“The sooner kids can get involved with science, the better,” said Robert Fletcher, Karter’s dad. “Someday they’ll go out and better society with the things they learn now.” 

“I like when they discover new things about science,” said Jack Evensizer, who attended Thursday’s STEM event with his granddaughter, Alexa. “Their faces are so intent when they’re doing an experiment.”

Fernan STEM Academy is holding a Halloween-themed STEM night Oct. 24 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Spooky STEM Night will include activities such as making parachuting spiders, “creepy crawly” critters, a bake sale and more.  

    Alexa, 9, builds a "Scribblebot" as she learns the basics of electricity at Thursday night's STEM Night at Ramsey Magnet School of Science.
  

    Porter, 9, builds with KAPLA planks during Thursday night's STEM Night at Ramsey Magnet School of Science.