Family Science Saturday lets kids get hands-on with learning
By: Arielle Teppert
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) — Alpha Chi Sigma, better known as AXE, hosted its annual Family Science Saturday this past weekend at Ohio University’s chemistry building.
Whether making elephant toothpaste, slime or shrinky dinks, science was the main attraction.
Local kids participated in hands-on experiments while learning how different elements react with one another to create the final product.
Sydney Gross, AXE’s alumni secretary, said although the event is about having fun, she says she hopes kids take home more than just a craft.
“I hope that they realize that they can have a passion for something and that passion can turn into something that they really want to pursue,” said Gross.
AXE members said that they want the event to introduce science to students who may not have access to stem-related programs in school.
Grayson Alonso, AXE’s vice president, said her school did not promote STEM-related events while she was a student there. She expressed how important it is for kids to be exposed to science at a young age.
“Obviously at 11 years old you’re not going to know what you want to do for the rest of your life, but if they know they liked the physics table then they might want to do something in that,” said Alonso. “Opportunities like this can give them an idea that they can dive deeper into during high school.”
Even if kids don’t seek higher education in science and math, organizers said STEM can still teach valuable lessons.
Grace Purvis, AXE’s outreach chair, said she came to Ohio University to study forensic chemistry but switched to political science to become a lawyer. Although the majors might not perfectly align, STEM continues to factor in her life.
“Even though chemistry isn’t something I want to pursue as a career, it is still something I love,” said Purvis. “That’s why I am still in AXE and decided to take on an exec position.”
This idea of passion beyond career goals is reflected in events like Family Science Saturday.
Although Family Science Saturday can be considered career-focused, some people see it as much more.
Tyler Kelley, AXE’s president, said it’s neat to see all the families together and having fun.
“Some of the people who I think enjoy the stuff we do the most are the parents,” said Kelley. “I think they appreciate it on a scientific level.”
Parents in attendance said Family Science Saturday is valuable to any child, especially those in under-resourced areas.
AXE said it plans to continue hosting community outreach events to inspire young students to get involved in STEM.
For more information about upcoming AXE STEM events, you can visit https://axegammanu.wixsite.com/axegn.