UW NASA Space Grant Science Kitchen and Science Initiative Roadshow Host Curated Visit for Laramie Students

More than 75 students from Laramie Montessori School spent a day exploring the cutting edge of Wyoming’s energy and natural resources research during a fully curated visit to the University of Wyoming Nov. 19.

The science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) Curated University Research Adventure was coordinated by UW’s Science Initiative Roadshow and the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium’s Science Kitchen.

The energy and natural resources themed visit brought first through sixth grade students into UW’s laboratories, learning spaces and research facilities for an immersive experience designed to spark curiosity, strengthen hands-on learning and connect young learners to the real work of scientists and engineers across campus.

“This curated visit is exactly what STEM engagement programs like the Roadshow and Science Kitchen are built for, helping to connect Wyoming students with authentic STEM experiences, and showing them that science is happening right here in our community and state,” says Karagh Brummond, co-director of the UW Science Initiative Roadshow. “We are so thankful to all the partners at the University of Wyoming campus for helping make this visit possible.”

During their trip, students rotated through customized activities and facility tours tailored for lower and upper elementary groups.

Experiences included:

-- Seismic Smash!: Students learned how geophysicists use sound waves to map underground structures by generating and recording seismic signals.

 

-- Solar Squishy Circuits: Students built glowing circuits with conductive dough and tested how solar energy can power systems.

 

-- Discover the Energy of Light!: Students experimented with phosphorescence, UV-reactive materials and the physics of glowing objects.

 

-- Catch the Wind!: Students measured electrical power of small model wind turbines with different blades and felt how lift and drag forces change an airfoil in a wind tunnel.

 

-- Wyoming Energy Map Exploration: Students walked across a giant floor map to locate energy resources across the state.

 

-- Kaszuba Geochemistry Lab Tour: Students saw high-pressure experimental equipment used to study how rocks and fluids interact deep underground.

 

-- Drilling and Completions Simulation Laboratory: Students explored real-world drilling technologies and Wyoming’s only full drillship simulator.

 

-- UW West Campus Power Plant Tour: Students took a step behind the scenes to learn how the university heats and cools over 9 million square feet of campus buildings.

 

Throughout the day, students engaged directly with UW scientists, graduate students and educators who guided them through experiments, demonstrations and facility tours. The tailored scheduling allowed students to deeply explore each activity all with ties to the theme of energy and natural resources.

“Hands-on exploration is where future problem-solvers are made,” says Megan Candelaria, co-director of the Wyoming NASA Space Grant Consortium and the Science Kitchen. “Opportunities like this are essential for building Wyoming’s, and NASA’s, future STEM workforce. When students build circuits, test wind turbines or step into real research labs, they’re not just learning science; they’re meeting scientists, gaining confidence and beginning to see themselves as the next generation of engineers, scientists and innovators.”

This curated experience is part of UW’s ongoing effort to expand STEM learning opportunities at the university and across Wyoming. Curated visits are one way to explore the university campus and customized themes are available to any who reach out.

For more information contact Brummond at (307) 766-4186 or at kmurph17@uwyo.edu.