BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) will host “Free First Sunday: All STEM Leads to Rome,” sponsored by BASF, on Sunday, April 2 at 1 PM. Patrons will creatively explore the connection between classical chemistry and engineering by engaging in hands-on activities and demonstrations as they discover that “All STEM Leads to Rome.” Admission to the museum, including unlimited shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, will be free during the event.
In collaboration with the EBR Parish School System and Nathalie Roy, 2021 Louisiana Teacher of the Year, Latin students from Glasgow Middle School and the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts will facilitate hands-on activities in LASM’s Bert S. Turner Family Atrium including firing a catapult, building an arch, making oak gall ink, mixing concrete, designing a bridge, and more. 2022’s inaugural “All STEM Leads to Rome” event at LASM received the Classical Association of the Middle West and South (CPLG) Award for Outstanding Promotional Activity. Hands-on history activities at this event are sponsored by the Society for Classical Studies (SCS).
Event sponsor BASF, which is one of the largest chemical companies in the world, is committed to providing inclusive and equitable education programs and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. “BASF is proud to support Free First Sunday in celebration of the UN’s ‘World Creativity and Innovation Day,’ which is coming up on April 21,” states LASM Trustee and BASF Workforce Development and Talent Strategy Manager Sarah Haneline.
“BASF’s partnership with LASM has enabled us to collaboratively engage young students in science, technology, engineering, and math for over a decade,” continues Haneline. “We are excited to inspire hundreds of future STEM leaders to explore the connections between chemistry and the world around them through this free event.”
During Free First Sunday, patrons will also explore LASM’s art and science galleries, view immersive shows in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, and engage in BASF Pop-up science programs. Impacting over 7,860 individuals in 2022, Free First Sunday is an impactful accessibility program at LASM. BASF has sponsored nine previous Free First Sundays at LASM and is committed to sponsoring two Free First Sundays in 2023, including Free First Sunday: All STEM Leads to Rome.
“We are truly honored to represent BASF in our community and are grateful for their commitment to educational programs like this one,” states LASM President & Executive Director Serena Pandos. “The Free First Sunday program enables the LASM to provide free admission for individuals who may not otherwise be able to visit the museum; this program would not be possible without sponsorship from generous partners including BASF. We are eager to welcome artists and scientists of all ages and from all backgrounds for an innovative day of hands-on, STEM-based learning with a Classics twist on Sunday, April 2.”
Companies or organizations interested in sponsoring a future LASM Free First Sunday program may contact LASM Development Director Frances Lee at flee@lasm.org.
Learn more about “Free First Sunday: All STEM Leads to Rome” at lasm.org.
