The HuSCI Science Communication Initiative (HuSCI) volunteers were excited to provide activities for the students of the Cascadia Elementary School during their Science Night. Students presented their own projects, in a gallery style Science Fair and participated in STEM related activities, while at the event.
The HuSCI Planning Committee recruited a diverse group of scientists from the University of Washington and affiliated associations to guide the students through the activities. Five volunteers participated in the event, including two HuSCI Committee members. Our previous event at Echo Lake Elementary drew in volunteers with a passion for working with the next generation of scientists. We were excited to see some of these volunteers again, assisting with the Cascadia Science Night.
HuSCI set up a booth with three activities to engage kids and expand their knowledge on laboratory skills, microscopy, and paper chromatography. The students practiced pipetting and color formation in an activity mixing colored water in snap-cap vials. Using paper and colored ink, we practiced paper chromatography, allowing the kids to express their inner artists and understand how colors in markers are created. We had the privilege of bringing two microscopes and several different slides for kids to look at. HuSCI provided worksheets so the kids were able to draw what they observed under the microscope.
We are proud to have participated and shared our love of science with the next generation of curious minds. We loved meeting the students at Cascadia and hope that we have inspired some young scientists. The students were able to share their areas of interest through their science projects, while we were able to communicate what we study in our labs.
We would like to express our thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time and efforts, and to the amazing staff and PTA members at Cascadia who guided us through the science night. Thank you from HuSCI!
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