Dozens of third and fourth grade students gathered around science experiments in the makeshift lab in the gym of Prairie Elementary in Adrian, ready and eager to learn. With help from a group of volunteers from DTE Energy’s Women of Environmental Management and Safety team, the kids had the chance to learn plenty from people who use science every day.
It was all part of Science Day, an annual event held in elementary schools across Adrian designed to help children – especially girls – develop an interest in STEM fields. The school planned a host of activities for students, from experiments to animal visits to Lego builds, to give them a chance to learn in a memorable way.
The event was the perfect opportunity for the Women of EM&S group to give back.
“I wanted to teach young students to be interested in science and show them that women can have a career in the STEM fields as well,” said Vivian Reid, environmental supervisor. “I was also excited to perform experiments I hadn’t done since I was a kid!”
These experiments included studying diffusion by adding water to Skittles, learning about acids and bases with a baking soda and vinegar volcano and finding out about carbon dioxide by adding Mentos to Diet Coke.
“The most rewarding part of the experience for me was to see the reaction of the students when the experiments were performed,” said Diane Martino, environmental senior strategist. “I loved listening to all of the questions and answers from the students.”
While the event was full of fun for students and volunteers alike, there were some roadblocks the team had to overcome as they worked to keep kids engaged and learning all day long.
“The biggest challenge faced was completing the ‘Elephant Toothpaste’ experiment,” said Reid. “We weren’t using the correct container for it to create the proper reaction. After many failed attempts, a science teacher was able to correct our mistake, and the second group of students were able to witness the experiment.”
Even with some struggles, it’s important to both DTE and the Women of EM&S to spend time volunteering in the communities they serve.
“It’s important to me to give back, because it forces me to step away from focusing on my daily to-do lists and spend time helping others and hopefully making a positive difference,” said Martino. “Volunteering shows that DTE is not only a utility company but is a company with people that care about and support others.”
This event was a special one, with students laughing and learning and, hopefully, expanding their horizons when it comes to a future in science.
“It’s important to have women in STEM at events like this. It can be intimidating to participate in male dominated activities,” said Reid. “I hope that the more women in STEM the students are exposed to, the less intimidated they’ll be and the more likely they’ll be able to see themselves in the field someday.”