September 2026
As students settle into their school routines and educators get deeper into the year’s lessons, there are plenty of opportunities to connect classroom learning to the real world. This month’s STEM holidays and observances offer simple ways to introduce new topics, spark conversations, and explore STEM together.
National Wildlife Day
Ever wonder how animals behave, survive, or adapt to their environments? Wildlife science helps us answer those questions while teaching us more about the ecosystems we share with them.
Patriot Day
Take a moment to remember the lives lost and the people who stepped up during the events of September 11, 2001. It’s also a reminder of how science, technology, engineering, and emergency systems help people respond when communities face difficult situations.
National Video Game Day
The games you play are packed with STEM, from the code running behind the scenes to the graphics, physics, and technology that make everything work. Learning how a game is built can give you a whole new appreciation for what goes into it.
National Coding Week
Curious about how websites, apps, and games actually work? Coding gives you a way to turn ideas into something you can build, test, and improve.
International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer
The ozone layer may be far above you, but it plays an important role in protecting life on Earth from harmful UV radiation. Learning about it gives you a look at atmospheric science, chemistry, and the work being done to protect our planet.
International Microorganism Day (IMD)
You can’t see most microorganisms, but they’re everywhere and they play a huge role in our lives. From the bacteria in your body to microbes in soil and water, microbiology helps us understand the tiny world all around us.
National HIV/AIDS and Aging Awareness Day
There’s a lot of science behind what we know about HIV today, from understanding how the virus affects the body to developing ways to prevent and treat it. It’s a chance to see how biology and medical research can turn better understanding into better outcomes.
Ask a Stupid Question Day
In STEM, asking questions is never something to be embarrassed about. Wondering “why?” or “how?” is often the first step toward an experiment, a discovery, or simply understanding something a little better.
International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste
Ever think about how much science goes into getting food from a farm to your table? STEM helps us find better ways to grow, store, transport, and preserve food so less of it ends up going to waste.
