STEM Brought to Life

In recognition of National STEM Day, Baylor researchers and their students shared the benefits of innovation and discovery with elementary, middle and high school students in the Waco area through hands-on STEM projects.

National STEM Day is recognized annually on Nov. 8 and is designed to encourage participation in science, technology,  engineering and math (STEM) fields. This year, in partnership with Connally ISD, La Vega ISD and Waco ISD, Baylor research faculty presented grade-aligned, experiential projects and equipped teachers to continue the experiments with other classes. 

“We’re helping raise up a community of students interested in science, technology, engineering and math, and to promote a diverse STEM workforce,” said Stacey Smith, Ph.D., assistant vice provost for research development in Baylor’s Office of the Vice Provost for Research. “We’re excited to connect our tremendous Baylor faculty to serve students and teachers with engaging projects and grateful for the opportunity to partner with area schools to make science come alive.”

Dan Peppe, Ph.D., associate professor of geosciences, created experiential geology stations with students in Connally Elementary School to help them discover what they can learn from the world around them. Elyssia Gallagher, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, led chromatography experiments at La Vega High School. Aaron Wright, Ph.D., the Schofield Endowed Chair in Biomedical Science, also led chromatography experiments while visiting students at Tennyson Middle School. Baylor students from each professor’s laboratory also joined to work alongside the young, budding scientists.

The chromatography experiment enabled students to discover how science concepts are embedded into their everyday experiences. Chromatography is a process by which scientists separate different parts of a mixture, allowing them to both analyze and purify the mixture. The principles and practical application of these concepts were connected to students’ awareness that many candies and other foods they enjoy contain dyes. Students at Tennyson Middle School and La Vega High School conducted their own chromatography work alongside Baylor professors and students to separate dye colors. 

“Baylor faculty do incredible research across a variety of disciplines, which presents us with so many great options to connect to students locally,” Smith said. “National STEM Day is a perfect day to make these connections, and we’re only scratching the surface of what is possible.”