Nyla Nova STEM Attack Takes Families to Shedd Aquarium for a Powerful STEMventure

On Saturday, May 16, 2026, Nyla Nova STEM Attack traveled to Chicago, Illinois for our annual regional STEMventure at the Shedd Aquarium. This meaningful family learning experience gave scholars, parents, caregivers, and even our youngest learner, who was just 1 year old, the opportunity to explore aquatic life, ecosystems, conservation, and STEM-based careers in a fun and memorable way.

Through this regional trip, over 40 participants experienced science beyond the classroom. Families explored exhibits, observed marine animals, learned about habitats, and connected what we studied in STEM Attack to real-world environmental systems.

A Hands-On Extension of STEM Attack

STEM Attack is designed to help youth and families explore science, technology, engineering, and math through real community connections. This year’s program included hands-on learning around water quality, ecosystems, wildlife, community observation, and environmental stewardship.

The Shedd Aquarium trip served as a powerful extension of that learning. Families explored together, asked questions, observed marine life, and connected what scholars learned in class to real-world ecosystems.

The regional STEM trip was planned as a meaningful STEM experience following the spring showcase and program sessions at New Beginnings Fellowship Church. It helped bridge the gap between in-class learning and experiential learning by allowing families to see aquatic ecosystems, animal habitats, conservation, and STEM careers come to life outside the classroom.

Thank You to The Indianapolis Foundation

We are deeply grateful to The Indianapolis Foundation for supporting this work. Their investment helped make it possible for our families to participate in meaningful STEM experiences that may otherwise be difficult to access due to the cost of travel, tickets, materials, and program support.

The STEM Attack grant through The Indianapolis Foundation was awarded to Nova X-STREAM, INC dba Nyla Nova Foundation for $50,000 to support STEM Attack programming, including STEM Aquatics, Mobile STEM Lab activities, STEM kits, supplies, transportation, meals, and community-based learning.

Because of this support, Nyla Nova was able to create a family-centered learning experience that brought science to life and strengthened community connection.

Why Trips Like This Matter

Field trips like the Shedd Aquarium STEMventure are more than a day away. They help students:

• Build curiosity about science and aquatic life

• Understand how ecosystems work

• Explore future STEM careers

• Connect classroom learning to real places

• Spend quality learning time with family

• Build confidence as young explorers and problem-solvers

For many families, this was also a chance to travel together, ask questions, make memories, and see STEM in action.

Building the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

At Nyla Nova, we believe children should not only learn about science - they should experience it. From water testing and fish identification to aquarium exploration and environmental observation, STEM Attack helps scholars see that science is all around them.

The Shedd Aquarium trip reminded us that learning becomes more powerful when families explore together. We are not just preparing students for future careers. We are helping families build shared experiences that spark curiosity, confidence, and action.

Thank You to Our Families and Community

Thank you to every family, scholar, volunteer, and supporter who made this regional STEMventure special. Your participation, energy, and commitment continue to help Nyla Nova STEM Attack grow.

A special thank you again to The Indianapolis Foundation for helping make this experience possible.

Together, we are creating joyful STEM moments, building stronger family connections, and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

Learn more about Nyla Nova STEM Attack and upcoming STEMventures at:NylaNovaSTEM.com and NylaNovaFoundation.org