High school and junior high students are invited to experience the 2025 Lyon College Academic Day, a day packed with STEM-focused activities, on Saturday, March 1, at the college's Batesville campus, 2300 Highland Rd.

Schools are asked to register their participants at lyon.edu/academic-day. Homeschooled students are welcome. For more information, please contact Pam Palermo atPamela.Palermo@lyon.edu.

The event will feature math competitions, interactive STEMonstrations, campus tours and more, with no requirement to participate in the math competitions to enjoy the day's activities.

“Arkansas students help create the future when they pursue math and science. Academic Day at Lyon College, when we also host the Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional competition, gives them a chance to explore potential careers and engage in STEM fields in a fun, interactive way,” said Dr. Anthony Grafton, provost. “Lyon College is unsurpassed when it comes to student opportunities and outcomes, and we look forward to showing students why on March 1."

The day's events will begin at 8 a.m. with Academic Day registration and a continental breakfast in Room 16 at the Derby Center for Science and Mathematics. At 9 a.m., the math tests will begin.

At 10:30 a.m., Lyon College student ambassadors will lead a campus tour, departing from the Maxfield Room in Edwards Commons.

Lunch and a club and organization fair will be held at 11:45 a.m. in Patterson Dining Hall at Edwards Commons. All participants will receive a T-shirt at the Welcome Center.

STEMonstrations will begin shortly after lunch, with attendees choosing from various interactive sessions held at different locations on campus, including:

• “Everything Animals” with Dr. Mary Jones, Dr. Britt Florkiewicz, Maggie Gayle, and the Pre-Vet and Animal Sciences Club: Support animal enrichment by crafting large rope balls stuffed with treats for zoo animals like big cats, elephants, and apes. You can even take one home for your own pet!
  
  
• “Game Programming with Python” with Dr. Marcus Birkenkrahe: Dive into the world of coding! Learn the basics of programming and build your very own "Guess the Number" game using Google Colaboratory. No prior coding experience is needed—just bring your curiosity!
  
  
• “Build Your Own Rocket” with Dr. Dave Thomas: Ready for liftoff? Work with Dr. Dave Thomas to construct and launch your own rocket in this exhilarating hands-on experience.
  
  
• “Knot Your Average Adventure: Ropes Course” with the Lyon College Education and Adventure Program (LEAP): Challenge yourself on Lyon College’s thrilling ropes course, designed to test your agility, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.
  
  
• “Can You Dig It: Adventures in Archaeology” with Dr. Jason Kennedy: Step into the role of an archaeologist as you analyze artifacts and learn excavation techniques. Unravel historical mysteries with hands-on archaeological investigations!
  
  
• “Tooth Be Told: Exploring Dentistry” with the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine: Get creative with clay and sculpt a tooth in the state-of-the-art Lyon College dental facility. Learn more about dental science and artistry while honing your sculpting skills.

The math awards ceremony will take place at 2 p.m. in Derby 16 at the Derby Center for Science and Mathematics.

The day's events will conclude with a rocket launch at 2:30 p.m.