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STEM Guide (K–5) – Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival

Inspiring STEM Through the Fair

The STEM Educator Guide is a free resource for K–5 teachers and families, created by the Riverside County Fair & National Date Festival. Inside, you’ll find hands-on lesson plans that connect science, math, and engineering to local agriculture and traditions—perfect for preparing students before their field trip to the Fair in February 2026.

Want more information about scheduling a field trip? Email us at info@datefest.com.

Curriculum Outline

Lesson 1 – Where Does Our Food Come From?

Students explore plant growth, farming practices, and the seed‑to‑harvest journey, connecting to how dates are grown in the Coachella Valley.

Standards: NGSS K‑LS1‑1, CCSS Math K.MD.A.2

Lesson 2 – What Are Physical & Chemical Changes?

Students test a date shake freezing (physical change) and baking soda + vinegar experiments (chemical change, CO₂ capture, flame extinguishing), tied to the Fair’s live science show.

Standards: NGSS 2‑PS1‑2, NGSS 5‑PS1‑4, CCSS Math 2.MD.D.10, CCSS Math 5.MD.B.2