Science in the Parks is an outreach program whose mission is to provide hands-on science education and experiences outside of the traditional classroom. Our goal is to lead inquiry-based experiments that foster positive science identities and encourage underserved youth to envision themselves as future scientists. Our experiments are designed to be accessible for youth by using simple household items that demonstrate important scientific principles. Science in the Parks SLC is modeled after a program organized by Weber State University, although we work in the west side of Salt Lake City. We are proud to be in our second year of programming, and so far it has been an amazing journey for us. We are looking forward to our continued success with our community partners and our program is progressing despite challenges, such as the on-going COVID-19 pandemic.

“Since joining SITP during COVID I realized how important virtual science demonstrations are right now. Hands-on experiments guided by volunteers effectively keep kids engaged and excited to learn, despite being in a virtual learning setting.” ~ Ella

Under normal circumstances, we typically demonstrate hands-on experiments and interact with students in person. In summer 2020, our volunteers made 565 science kits to be distributed to our community partners. However, in light of the pandemic, we’ve had to think of creative solutions to continue providing materials and instructions safely and accessibly. We asked for help from our talented faculty board and community partners. Collectively, we came up with the idea to provide kits and teach live science demonstrations over Zoom. We are also working towards creating a science channel online so that students will have greater access to these experiments outside of our program and will be encouraged to pursue science individually as well. By the end of this past year, we instructed 11 science experiments over Zoom and made 435 science kits to supplement those experiments. We have been incredibly lucky to be able to work with Title 1 schools and work toward our goals. Our volunteers, leadership team, and community partners have been outstanding, stepping up when needed and adapting to last-minute changes. We wouldn’t be here without them.

“Zoom science time gave us the opportunity to safely interact with elementary students and teach them how to have fun with science. The development and excitement that built over the weeks we worked with the students was awesome to see!” ~ Molly

As we know, science is not the most accessible subject, especially for students who are historically marginalized by the education system. But, we are happy that we could find an approach that continues to make science accessible and we will continue to make our approach more accessible. We want youth to get excited about science and associate that with a positive identity that encourages them to pursue continued education and careers in various scientific fields. There is much work to do in order to help create more opportunities for students to learn and get experience with science. Our program is committed to actively encouraging each student with whom we have the opportunity to engage. We hope to continue providing meaningful interactions that will inspire students to engage with science.

“I remember a program similar to SITP that traveled to my elementary school and talked to us about becoming future scientists. It was a great experience and inspired me to study chemistry. I hope to continue that same kind of outreach I was exposed to in order to encourage future scientists.” ~ Casidee

Content provided by Anahy Salcedo, Founder, Science in the Parks for UNP’s Community Voices magazine, Volume 11, 2021.