Jack Leever, a University of Wyoming environment and natural resources major from
Olathe, Kan., reads a book on animals and their habitats to Torrington preschoolers
at part of a UW Science Initiative Roadshow event. The program bring hands-on STEM
(science, technology, engineering and mathematics) lessons to 15 pre-kindergarten
students throughout Wyoming. (Karagh Brummond Photo)
Representatives of the University of Wyoming’s Science Initiative Roadshow recently collaborated with the Goshen County Public Library’s early literacy intervention
team in Torrington to bring a hands-on STEM lesson related to animals and habitats
to 15 pre-kindergarten students.
UW’s Roadshow is a group of mostly UW undergraduate and graduate students who collaborate
with statewide groups, such as K-12 teachers, to bring hands-on, engaged STEM (science,
technology, engineering and mathematics) activities that are related to learning outcomes
to classrooms.
The preschoolers experienced being “naturalists” or scientists who study animals and
their homes or habitats. The children were divided into four groups where they first
brainstormed with a Roadshow outreach assistant about what their group’s animal needed
to live and grow. The group then read the story “My Home is Better Than Yours” by
Stephen Krensky.
Each student was then given their own mountain animal with the idea that they would
be building and creating a habitat that is “just right for their animal.” The UW students
brainstormed ideas with the children for each youngster’s animal and what materials
were needed to help build habitats.
Later, the group took a short nature walk around the Goshen County Public Library,
gathering different outdoor materials that could be used to create a habitat for the
different animals. The pre-kindergarten students then built habitats for their animals
on paper so they could add any additional features with crayons on the paper, such
as water.
“The students loved their activity and got to take all of their materials and animals
home,” says Karagh Brummond, co-director of the Roadshow and also of the UW Science
Initiative Community Engagement Program.
The UW undergraduate students who joined the Roadshow were Isabelle Burky, a wildlife
and fisheries biology and management major from Worland; Jack Leever, an environment
and natural resources major from Olathe, Kan.; Marjie Schmitt, a psychology major
from Torrington; and Elsa Freise, a Buffalo undeclared graduate student.
Torrington area preschoolers work on their habitat projects during a recent UW
Science Initiative Roadshow program at the Goshen County Public Library in Torrington.
(Karagh Brummond Photo)
Burky, Leever and Schmitt are funded by the Wyoming Research Scholars Program (WRSP)
for their undergraduate research work.
“Being able to have this collaboration between the Roadshow and WRSP created deeper
engagement for the pre-kindergarten students while also providing the research scholars
with the opportunity to perform outreach to build their experience for their next
steps after UW,” Brummond says. “It was clear that the WRSP students were impacted
by this meaningful outreach.”
Burky adds that the Torrington program was a rewarding experience that “perfectly
captured the mission and spirit of the Science Initiative Roadshow.”
“The Roadshow is a shining example of how to inspire curiosity and discovery in learners
of all ages. Through hands-on, engaging activities, we were able to connect with young
students in a way that sparked genuine excitement about science,” Burky says. “It
was truly heartwarming to see their eyes light up as they explored new concepts, asked
insightful questions and embraced the fun of learning. As a participant, I also appreciated
the opportunity to grow as a science communicator and mentor. The experience helped
me refine my teaching skills and connect more deeply with communities across our state.
It was an honor to represent UW and be a part of a team that brings cutting-edge science
into classrooms in such an approachable and inspiring way.”
Schmitt traveled back to her hometown to give back to her community.
“The Nature Day in Torrington had a great turnout. The kiddos who came were excited
to learn and to interact with us,” Schmitt says. “I really felt that what we were
doing had a positive impact on the community.”
Brummond says it’s exciting to see the UW Roadshow students -- the majority grew up
in small Wyoming towns -- giving back to rural communities and helping inspire young
people in the state.
“This collaboration between the WRSP and Roadshow programs demonstrates the continued
support of UW’s Science Initiative programs and their dedication to inspiring and
educating students at all levels,” she adds.
For more information about UW’s Science Initiative Roadshow program, email Brummond
at kmurph17@uwyo.edu.
