STEM In Senior Centers

 

Worland Senior Center

On Wednesday, October 16th the Roadshow drove back up to Worland, Wyoming to visit with 25 older individuals at the Worland Senior Center. The older individuals participated in the 1.5 hour workshop on bees and pollination led by graduate student Sabrina White of UW’s Zoology and Physiology Department. The participants started by playing “Bee or Not a Bee” where they looked at photos of different insects and had to try to identify if it was a bee or not. Through this exercise, they learned how to identify bees and the difference between Honey Bees and Bumble Bees. Next, they learned about how bees are pollinators for crops and some of the hardships facing bees including weather changes. The older individuals then all spent the next half of the workshop doing hands-on activities including building and decorating solitary bee houses, creating seed bombs to plant native wildflowers, and building a working weather station to measure and track temperature and humidity readings. Each participant also received an observation journal where they will be able to identify bees and document the temperature and humidity! This was the second time we ran this workshop at the Worland Senior Center and love coming back to engage with this fantastic community!  

Roadshow Team:

Sabrina White (Graduate student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Worland collage


Rendezvous Point Senior Center Pinedale

On Wednesday, September 18th the Roadshow drove up to Pinedale Wyoming to visit with 12 older individuals at Rendezvous Point Senior Center. The older individuals participated in the 1.5 hour workshop on bees and pollination led by graduate student Sabrina White of UW’s Zoology and Physiology Department. The participants started by playing “Bee or Not a Bee” where they looked at photos of different insects and had to try to identify if it was a bee or not. Through this exercise, they learned how to identify bees and the difference between Honey Bees and Bumble Bees. Next they learned about how bees are pollinators for crops and some of the hardships facing bees including weather changes. The older individuals then all spent the next half of the workshop doing hands-on activities including building and decorating solitary bee houses, creating seed bombs to plant native wildflowers, and building a working weather station to measure and track temperature and humidity readings. Each participant also received an observation journal where they will be able to identify bees and document the temperature and humidity! We even had one individual share how empowered they felt after getting the weather station built and working! We will be coming back to Rendezvous Point next fall to look at the observation journals and document the data they have collected.  

Roadshow Team:

Nancy Weinheimer (Graduate student in Geology & Geophysics) 

Sabrin White (Graduate student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Ashleigh Pilkerton (Graduate student in Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 


Pinedale Senior Center Photo Collage


Goshen County Senior Friendship Center

On August 9th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Goshen County Senior Friendship Center.

In Torrington, Wyoming to do our next STEM outreach with 15 older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! We had a blast getting to know the people of Goshen County and this was the Roadshow’s first trip to Goshen County and we hope to come back and do more here with these great people! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 


Worland Senior Center

On July 25th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Worland Senior Center (“Worlando Beach”) to do our next STEM outreach with 17 older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! We had a blast getting to know the people of Worland and this was the Roadshow’s first trip to Washakie County and we hope to come back and do more here with these great people! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Alyssa Baldwin (Graduate Student in Ecosystem Science Management) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Worland Senior Center Collage


Powell Senior Center

On July 12th, the Roadshow spent the morning with the wonderful older individuals at the Powell Senior Center. At the Center, 12 attendees got to learn about the human brain and understand how the brain works. The hour-long activity started with a fact or fiction game where attendees held up red or blue symbols as Karagh Brummond read out common facts or myths about the brain. This allowed many common misunderstandings about the brain to be addressed. They then were able to learn about the 4 different lobes of the brain and their functions. This led to the older individuals being able to view 9 different actual brain specimens of different species. Viewing the brain specimens allowed for teachable moments about structure and function of the brain and how brain tissue has changed and modified over time to support development of more complex behaviors. Attendees then were split into two groups, those with a type of brain scan name and those with a type of brain scan image. They had to go around the room and try to find the match for the name with the image of a common brain scanning technique. Once they were paired, we went through the answers and correct any misunderstandings. This allowed them to learn about how these brain images are generated and what types of images are used for different reasons. After, the older individuals were able to learn about the cells of the brain, neurons, and create their own neuron out of pipe cleaners to bring home! 

Roadshow Team: 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Mark Lyford (Science Initiative Programs Executive Director) 

neuron out of pipe cleaners


Cheyenne Senior Center

On July 12th, the Roadshow visited with older individuals in Cheyenne 3 patrons participated in the 1 hour “Ready to Rock” workshop! In this workshop, the individuals explored concepts of geology including fossils and minerals with UW Professor Erin Klauk (Masters in Geoscience Education). Participants learned about how fossils are formed by seeing and exploring with actual fossils and worked together to identify and solve the mystery of how they came to be! This activity was followed up with a hands-on ability to learn how to identify different types of minerals. Participants became “geology detectives” and put 10 different minerals through a series of tests to determine which minerals they have in front of them. This was a great introduction to some basic ideas in geology and individuals left having learned much more about the amazing landscape around them in Wyoming! 

Roadshow Team: 

Kinsale Day (Undergraduate Student in Geography) 

Erin Klauk (Faculty Science Initiative) 


Cody Memory Cafe

On July 11th, the Roadshow drove up to Cody, Wyoming where they went to the Park County Library to bring a hands-on neuroscience activity to 8 individuals as part of the Alzheimer’s Association Wyoming Chapter Memory Cafes. The hour-long activity started with a fact or fiction game where attendees held up red or blue symbols as Karagh Brummond read out common facts or myths about the brain. This allowed many common misunderstandings about the brain to be addressed. They then were able to learn about the 4 different lobes of the brain and their functions. This led to the older individuals being able to view 9 different actual brain specimens of different species. Viewing the brain specimens allowed for teachable moments about structure and function of the brain and how brain tissue has changed and modified over time to support development of more complex behaviors. Attendees then performed a few hands-on sensory activities including blind boxes and sorting texture from course to grit to learn more about their sense of touch. The workshop ended with a chance for the older individuals to operate and control a robotic claw with the neural signals being sent to their arm muscles.  

Roadshow Team: 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Mark Lyford (Science Initiative Programs Executive Director) 

using robotic claw for activity


Rock Springs Young at Heart

On June 12th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Young at Heart which is the senior center in Rock Springs to do our next STEM outreach with 12 older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! It was super exciting to see that this was an intergenerational event where we had both older individuals and young people together! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Alyssa Baldwin (Graduate Student in Ecosystem Science Management) 

Young at Heart collage


Riverton Senior Center

On June 5th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Riverton Senior Center to do our next STEM outreach with 9 older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! The Riverton Senior Center had wonderful people and staff and we can’t wait to be back! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Erin Klauk (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Riverton Senior Center collage


Shoshoni Senior Center

On June 6th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Shoshoni Senior Center to do our next STEM outreach with older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! One very exciting thing at this event was that we had a gentleman who was a truck driver for bees in his lifetime! It made for some exciting conversations! We were blessed with an amazing batch of individuals at the Shoshoni Senior Center who were all so incredibly kind and wonderful! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Shoshoni Senior Center


Jackson Hole Senior Center and UW Research Institute at AMK Ranch

On June 5th, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the University of Wyoming’s Research Institute at AMK Ranch where they hosted 17 older individuals from the Jackson Hole Senior Center. The senior center bused the older individuals to the research center where they were able to take part in the Roadshow’s iconic “Bee the Scientist” activity. In this activity, the older individuals learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming. They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what can be done to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. In the last activity, the participants got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that they can outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather in which the bees are foraging. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! As a bonus for this outreach event, the older individuals were able to do a short nature walk around the AMK Ranch facility where they looked at wildflowers and experienced identifying bees and other pollinators on the grounds in a pollinator trap! The Roadshow would especially like to thank Anna Cressman and Molly Manning, summer staff at the Research Facility, and Hilary Rollins, Research Station Manager, who worked with us to make this event possible at the AMK Ranch! Molly jumped in with both feet, ready to assist with the seed bombs and weather stations, while Anna's expertise in pollinators enhanced our workshop and her enthusiasm for native bees was instrumental to the success of this experience. 

Roadshow Team: 

Ashleigh Pilkerton (Graduate Student Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit) 

Erin Klauk (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Jackson Senior Center and AMK Ranch collage


Pine Bluffs Senior Center

On June 3rd, the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to the Pine Bluffs Senior Center just east of Cheyenne, Wyoming to do our second STEM outreach with older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! One very exciting thing at this event was that we had a gentleman attend who received his graduate degree in bees as well! It made for some exciting conversations and we all learned so much together! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Pine Bluffs Senior Center


Laramie Eppson Center

On May 24th, the Roadshow kicked off their summer of visiting with older individuals in Wyoming by staying local at the Laramie Eppson Center where 12 patrons participated in the 1 hour “Ready to Rock” workshop! In this workshop, the individuals explored concepts of geology including fossils and minerals with UW Professor Erin Klauk (Masters in Geoscience Education). Participants learned about how fossils are formed by seeing and exploring with actual fossils and worked together to identify and solve the mystery of how they came to be! This activity was followed up with a hands-on ability to learn how to identify different types of minerals. Participants became “geology detectives” and put 10 different minerals through a series of tests to determine which minerals they have in front of them. This was a great introduction to some basic ideas in geology and individuals left having learned much more about the amazing landscape around them in Wyoming! 

Roadshow Team: 

Erin Klauk (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

eppson center collage


The Hub on Smith

On Thursday, April 18th the Science Initiative Roadshow traveled to The Hub on Smith in Sheridan, Wyoming to do our first STEM outreach with older individuals. These older individuals did our “Bee the Scientist” activity where they learned all about the importance of pollinators, and the vast diversity of unique bees we have in Wyoming from one of our lead Outreach Assistants Sabrina White (PhD student in Zoology and Physiology at UW). They learned about the different ways these bees live through the year (including during our very cold winters) and what plants they need to stay healthy. We discussed some of the challenges facing our pollinators and what we can do to help them. The remainder of the time the Roadshow team had the older individuals getting their hands dirty (literally) by creating “seed bombs” with Wyoming native wildflowers they can plant in their yards. The participants then started building and decorating bee houses to place in their home gardens to promote pollinators. Participants also received a field guide so they could record what visitors they have to their garden/flowers. The last activity ended up being the favorite for the older individuals. They got some hands-on experience working with technology by assembling their own portable weather stations that will be put outside their houses, so they will know and be able to track what kind of weather the bees are foraging in. This is important extra information that can help scientists understand how bees cope with changing weather patterns! 

This outreach was truly incredible and we had nothing but amazing responses from the participants and fun & wellness coordinator at The Hub on Smith. The participants shared what they learned at the outreach with phrases such as “[I learned about] making weather stations so you can see what temperature bees like the best to come to your flowers” and “I learned there are many more species of bees [than] I thought there was.” The fun & wellness coordinator gave wonderful feedback of the event sharing that on a scale of 1-5 the individuals were extremely engaged (5), the activity was more engaging than other events at the center (5), and the activity was somewhat accessible to the individuals (4). The coordinator also shared that the event “exceeded expectations” and the “patrons remarked how much they enjoyed learning more about bees, and the hands-on activities, time to socialize and reminisce.” 

The Roadshow is committed to sustaining this new initiative of brings hands-on STEM to older individuals across Wyoming to excite all about science! 

Roadshow Team: 

Sabrina White (Graduate Student in Zoology and Physiology) 

Alyssa Baldwin (Graduate Student in Ecosystems Science Management) 

Lydia Looby (Undergraduate Student Physiology) 

Karagh Brummond (Faculty Science Initiative) 

Mark Lyford (Faculty and Executive Director of Science Initiative Programs) 

hub on smith collage