Real-World STEAM Learning: Kids and Families Build, Create and Care Together

World of Medicine STEAMCON will take place Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Anthony L. and Hideko S. Burgess Interactive Learning Center (ILC) at Operation Smile’s Global Headquarters in Virginia Beach. Free and open to the public, the event invites students, families, educators, and community partners to experience the power of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) in action.

Building on last year’s successful STEAMCON and Operation Smile’s ongoing STEAM and STEM camps and programs, this community event offers hands-on activities, creative demonstrations, and meaningful service opportunities — inspiring the next generation of innovators and changemakers.

Attendees will enjoy interactive experiences for all ages, including experiments, creative crafts, and the chance to journey through a mock operating room, where guests can see how medical professionals prepare for cleft surgery and deliver safe, effective care.

Through career exploration woven into each activity, students discover how STEAM and STEM skills connect directly to medical and non-medical roles within Operation Smile’s global network – sparking curiosity to inspiring future health professionals, volunteers, and changemakers. 

“By connecting STEAM learning to real-world cleft care, Operation Smile shows how science and innovation can strengthen local health systems and bring safe surgery and comprehensive care closer to home,” said Melany Bishop, Operation Smile’s Senior Manager of Community Engagement. 

Highlights from STEAMCON included:

• Operation Smile: Practice real surgical skills by suturing bananas under the guidance of medical professionals — showing how future medical innovators get their start.

• Science & Technology: Experiment with a marble-run engineering challenge hosted by Virtual Science Teachers, turning physics and problem-solving into play.

• Engineering: Try your hand at boatbuilding basics with the Tidewater Wooden Boat Workshop, where craftsmanship and engineering meet.

• Arts: Create ocean-inspired clay impressions with the Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, blending scientific observation and artistic exploration.

• Environmental & Sustainability: Visit the Norfolk Botanical Garden STEAM stations to count tree rings, meet pollinators, and learn about green careers.

• Community & Education: Connect with community partners like the Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, who inspire youth leadership, courage, and STEM curiosity.

Local food vendors will include Lumpia Lane, Nana’s Empanadas, Cocoi’s Sweets and Pastries, Koi Tea, and Bubba’s 33.

Event Details: 

World of Medicine STEAMCON takes place Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Operation Smile Global Headquarters, 3641 Faculty Blvd., Virginia Beach. Admission is free and open to the public. Walk-ins are welcome, but advance registration is encouraged via Eventbrite: www.operationsmile.org/STEAMCON

World of Medicine STEAMCON is made possible in part by the generous support of the Hampton Roads Biomedical Research Consortium.

For the latest updates and a complete list of activities and partners, follow Operation Smile’s Interactive Learning Center (ILC) on Instagram @ILCJourney.