Graduate student in Astronomy
Astronomers look to the stars, but they don’t always have to go that far to have a stellar impact.
Zach Lewis created the Activities for Community OutReach in STEM (ACORNS) program to build partnerships between STEM departments at UW–Madison and community centers throughout Dane County. Graduate students in ACORNS visit the community centers to lead hands-on activities for elementary-aged students to learn about astronomy, biology, chemistry, and physics. Together, the students have modeled planets with ice cream and cookies, extracted DNA from strawberries, removed rust from a penny, made Oobleck (a non-Newtonian fluid that becomes solid under pressure), and more.
“There are graduate students with a wealth of knowledge who are eager to share their enthusiasm for their field just blocks away from children with intense curiosity about the world around them,” Zach said. “Feelings of belonging are the number one indicator of retention in STEM, and that begins as early as elementary school. Engaging with science in a fun, casual, and low-stakes way helps children see themselves in our positions.”
A supportive team, including graduate students Eli Sofovich, Jodie Kiyokawa, Stephen McKay, and Erin Motherway, helps make ACORNS possible. Zach said he enjoys being part of ACORNS to both explore his own curiosity about other STEM fields and for his own development as a scientist.
“I get to talk about my favorite science subjects with groups of people that ask amazing questions. It forces you to break down your science to its most basic level, which leads to a deeper appreciation and understanding of your field,” Zach said. “Working with children is also humbling in a way only someone who has spent time in a classroom can appreciate.”