Forensics Chemistry major Jenna Berger, behind the table, helps students with origami, while Kelly McCallan, majoring in Game Design and Animation, sitting in front of the table, provides instruction.
The Athens Community Center was abuzz when Inclusive Science Day attracted more than 80 families to take part in dozens of hands-on science activities. Many of these were adaptable for differently abled participants and for children who learn in different ways. There was even a low-sensory room for children and parents who needed a respite from the high energy of the main space.
The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery and several community partners presented the third Inclusive Science Day at the Athens Community Center on Feb. 23 to celebrate science with activities for the whole family.
Museum director Jen Parsons noted, “I am always excited about the museum’s community collaborations, and this year we have two new partners for this event,” Parsons added. “We are working with Southeast Ohio Youth Mentoring and Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children to invite children and families experiencing challenges due to trauma.”
Students from the AEP-funded Ohio University STEAM Team, the OHIO Student Council for Exceptional Children, and the university branch of the National Science Teacher’s Association all were on hand to lead a myriad of activities, including making Gardens in a Glove, Lava Lamps, Water Bead Refraction, Parachute Building and so much more.
Working on electrical circuits, Dr. Mark Lucas, left, (Senior Lecturer, Department of Physics and Astronomy) and Daniel Ivory (HTC Astrophysics).
The STEAM Team is working in collaboration with the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery to bring peer-led science engagement experiences to community events in the region. They guided visitors in fun coding, puzzle and construction activities that help build science reasoning skills. The group is co-mentored by Dr. Jennifer Hines, Dr. Mark Lucas and Parsons.
“The STEAM Team has been a great group of undergraduate ‘STEAM ambassadors.’ It has been very rewarding and exciting seeing them dive into community engagement events like the Inclusive Science Day and bring science, technology and the arts alive for the kids and adults alike. They already are gifted in so many ways, but it’s fun watching them grow even more in their outreach skills,” Lucas said.
“There is a huge amount of people here. Everyone is excited. [The kids} are holding on to every word you say. I love science and engaging kids is exciting!” said Jenna Berger, a senior in forensic chemistry.
STEAM Team member Daniel Ivory worked on snap circuits with several elementary school students. He thought that working with the team puts a “different spin” on outreach because with the STEAM team the students have a lot of control over the planning of activities, adding, “Everyone should get to know these things and have fun with them.”
Chemistry major Addy Kruse helps students at the Inclusive Science event.
Addy Kruse facilitated the Morse Code table and showed preschoolers what patterns can be used for. Kruse, a senior in chemistry, thought that Inclusive Science Day was special “because of the tactile activities and the variety of choices” and she liked the hands-on aspect since “it’s less confining than how you learn in a classroom.”
Game design and animation major Kelly McCallen enjoys bringing the arts and humanities side into the STEAM process. She joined the STEAM team to “give back.” She felt humbled by the experience at Inclusive Science Day, saying, “This is an invaluable connection to our whole community. I’m receiving as much as I am giving.”
“I’m blown away by the turnout,” she added. “Each interaction has been rewarding in its own way. We are embracing our differences.”
“All children and families deserve the opportunity to engage in quality science experiences, but children with special needs often feel left out… Inclusive Science Day gives special education, science education and early childhood teacher candidates the chance to co-plan and co-lead inclusive science activities for all OVMoD visitors,” explained Dr. Sami Kahn from Ohio University’s Patton College of Education.
The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is dedicated to providing interdisciplinary, hands-on experiences for children and adults that explore the world around us.
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