Have you gotten your room cleaned up yet? Vacuumed the floors? Taken your aluminum can collection to the recyclers?

Well, in case you forgot, this weekend is Family Weekend, and there’s a good chance your parents will be coming to visit.

“Family Weekend gives us a chance to showcase Iowa State to the students and their families through a weekend full of activities,” said Dave Critchlow, assistant director of student programs.

“[The weekend] strengthens positive feelings between the students and parents and allows ISU to reinforce the concept that the university cares for them,” he said.

One of the events popular with the students is “Send Your Family to Class.” This gives parents the opportunity to feel what it’s like for their children in a classroom environment here at the school.

“Last year we set up two chemistry classes for the parents,” said Critchlow. “The professor giving the lecture shared some of the mnemonic devices used by students to remember the difficult terminology. The next day at the breakfast, the parents were actually quizzing each other.”

The earliest records available for Family Weekend are from 1974, but it was in 1968 when the first “Parents of the Year” was awarded. Since then, Family Weekend has become an annual fixture of spirit and togetherness for families and ISU.

“Last year was a phenomenal success,” said Angie Genkinger, Family Weekend Chairwoman. “This year we are throwing exactly the same events and hoping that things go as smoothly as last year.”

The events started Thursday and run until Sunday. Here’s a listing of what’s in store for the parents.

Friday

• 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. President Martin Jischke and his wife, Patty, invite all families for dessert at their home. Dress is casual, and it is a complimentary event.

• 7:30 p.m. ISU Hockey vs. Arizona State at the Ames Ice Arena.

• 8 p.m. The movie “E.T.” will be aired in the Pioneer Room of Memorial Union. Admission is $1 for Family Weekend participants; children get in for free. Popcorn will be provided.

• 8 p.m. – 10 p.m. Hypnotist Steve Mead will be performing at the Great Hall of the Memorial Union. Admission is $5. Free for children 10 and under and a $1 discount is offered for Collegiate Members of the Alumni Association.

Saturday

• 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. Each college will be hosting receptions, answering any questions parents may have about the college and sharing their new developments.

• 9:30 a.m. Kick off the Cyclone Football Game by attending the Pre-game Tailgate at the Scheman Building. All students and families are invited.

• 11:30 a.m. ISU vs. Kansas State Football Game at Jack Trice Stadium.

• 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Students can bring their family to class as ISU faculty performs hands-on experiments and presentations at Gilman Hall.

• 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. ISU will be hosting campus and departmental tours.

• 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. Family and friends can enjoy an art museum tour presented by the Brunnier Art Museum.

• 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. ISU is offering an “Art on Campus” tour beginning at Parks Library.

• 7:30 p.m. Join the hockey team on the ice arena when they face off against Arizona State at the Ames Ice Arena.

• 8 p.m. A showing of “E.T.” will air in the Pioneer Room of the Memorial Union.

• 8 p.m. – 11:30 p.m. Families can enjoy a night of fun at Casino Night and Auction on the second floor of the Scheman Building. Games include black jack, bingo, poker and many other games for people of all ages. At 11 p.m., prizes will be awarded. Cost is $5 for adults; children 10 and under are free. A $1 discount for Collegiate Members and Alumni Association.

Sunday

• 10 a.m. – noon. ISU will be giving an omelette breakfast at Kildee Hall. Tickets are $4 for adults and $3 for children 10 and under. A $1 discount will be given for Collegiate Members of the Alumni Association.

• 3 p.m. More than 300 students will perform in the Collage of Choirs at C. Y. Stephens Auditorium.