Innovation Ignited: Galena’s STEAM Fest Lights Up Learning
Galena T3 Alaska, led by T3 Coaches Emily Lester and Will Kramer, hosted a vibrant community STEAM Fest from April 4–7, 2025, aimed at informing and inspiring the community about the T3 Alaska program. The weekend was a huge success, with nearly 40 community members and Galena Interior Learning Academy students attending Friday’s kickoff event.
“We had to kick the students out each evening,” said George Reising. “The afternoon was spent in the makerspace, where students became so immersed in their projects that many returned in the evening and didn’t want to leave! We left it at, see you tomorrow.”
On Saturday, T3 Alaska joined the Galena Spring Carnival, where curious attendees were introduced to the concept of growth mindset through a brushbot activity. With minimal instructions provided, parents and students tackled the challenge with creativity and laughter. The day featured impromptu brushbot races and battles, with gear cards handed out as participation prizes.
Saturday evening’s Open House featured George Reising, T3 Alaska’s Lead Curriculum Designer, who shared more about the program. T3 Alaska focuses on developing technical skills that can be applied to real community challenges. By modeling a growth mindset, using the design thinking process, and encouraging students to connect with community needs, the program empowers students to become future leaders and problem-solvers.
To better understand their community, students listened and empathized with local partners like Tim Kalke, general manager of Sustainable Energy for Galena, Alaska (SEGA), who spoke passionately about the innovation happening in Galena and how students could get involved. Participants also explored various technologies during hands-on demos. Petie Deveer, a UAF college mentor, led a 3D printing activity, while George worked with students on Raspberry Pi projects. Addie (insert last name/title here) set up a popular MakerCam selfie station, and Hailey Hodges, a UAF mentor, joined Christi Buffington from UAF Geographic Information Network of Alaska in showcasing weather station tools.
Sunday brought more joyful learning. The day began with a reflective question: “What image represents learning to you?”
After this warm-up, participants rotated through three stations: an introduction to Raspberry Pi, a “Worm-Off” 3D modeling and printing challenge, and weather station data exploration.
The magic of T3 Alaska came to life when students spontaneously created a weather sensor scavenger hunt. One group hid sensors around the hallway, while another used Raspberry Pi data—such as relative humidity and temperature—as clues to locate them. This playful, student-driven activity blended technical skills with scientific reasoning in a fun and supportive environment.
Even more inspiring, students began to brainstorm culturally relevant applications of their learning. They discussed how sensor data could help determine the best conditions for drying fish or meat—real-world connections that lie at the heart of T3 Alaska’s mission.
The weekend closed with high energy and excitement. Students, families, and community members left feeling connected, curious, and eager to lean into the learning process with T3 Alaska.
Media Contact:
George Reising, T3 Alaska Coordinator (907) 339-0173, gbskrabareising@alaska.edu
Emily Lester, Galena T3 Alaska Coach (907) 885-8753, emily.lester@galenanet.com
