Eight STEAM Workshops for Kids: From RNA Vaccines to Oceanography

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An eight-session program delivers STEAM workshops designed to spark interest in scientific careers and nurture critical thinking among children and teenagers. Each module blends hands-on activities with age-appropriate explanations, encouraging curious minds to explore how science, technology, engineering, arts, and math come together in everyday life. The program emphasizes inquiry, experimentation, and collaboration, helping young learners build confidence as they investigate real-world topics and develop problem-solving skills that stay with them beyond the classroom.

Anti-COVID RNA: This module explains how RNA vaccines work to halt the spread of COVID-19, turning complex biology into approachable, practical knowledge. Participants examine how vaccine design uses genetic instructions to teach the immune system to recognize and fight viruses. The discussion highlights the scientific process behind the discovery and rapid development, including how scientists validated the approach and how it reshaped public health. A short note highlights the Nobel Prize in Medicine awarded in 2023 to Katalin Karikó for foundational work in this field. Citation: Nobel Prize in Medicine 2023 acknowledged Karikó for pioneering contributions to RNA-based vaccines and their impact on modern medicine.

Paleoart: In this module, learners construct a replica dinosaur skull and dive into the science of paleontology. The activity introduces Mary Anning as a trailblazer in the field, illustrating how careful observation, fossil study, and fossil preparation reveal insights about ancient life. Participants explore how scientists infer behavior, environment, and evolution from recovered remains, while reflecting on the historical context of early fossil hunters and the evolving methods used in the discipline. The experience emphasizes hands-on making, critical interpretation of fossils, and the connections between artful reconstruction and scientific evidence. Citation: Mary Anning is celebrated as a pioneering paleontologist whose discoveries helped shape early fossil studies.

Bridge Challenge: This segment invites learners to design and test a model bridge, competing to balance strength, efficiency, and creative engineering. By working with materials and constraints similar to those faced by real engineers, participants analyze load distribution, material properties, and structural design principles. The activity spotlights Emily Warren Roebling’s contributions to the Brooklyn Bridge project, illustrating how teamwork, leadership, and practical problem solving were essential to turning blueprints into a lasting landmark. The challenge reinforces project planning, iterative testing, and communication as core engineering skills. Citation: Emily Warren Roebling played a pivotal role in the Brooklyn Bridge project through leadership and engineering collaboration.

Under the sea: Learners explore the underwater world through the lens of oceanography. The module introduces Ángeles Alvariño, a renowned oceanographer whose work expanded understanding of marine life and biodiversity. Participants discover the vast diversity of organisms that inhabit different ocean zones, learn about methods used to study underwater ecosystems, and discuss the importance of sustainable practices to protect marine habitats. The program invites questions about how ocean science informs conservation, climate research, and our understanding of life on Earth. Citation: Ángeles Alvariño contributed significantly to early oceanographic research and marine biology.

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