On November 9th, I-Sci Explorers co-hosted a National STEM Day open house at the Champaign Park District Martens Center. Paige Duncan (community engagement specialist who leads the I-Sci Explorers program) and Carolyn McDonald (graduate student in psychology) engaged students with hands-on activities designed to spark curiosity and confidence in science.  

Carolyn demonstrated a science matching game and asked children to pair fields like astronomy with images of telescopes or meteorology with weather models. Paige guided children in reflecting on their feelings about science by adding stickers to a poster, encouraging self-expression and connection to STEM. These interactive activities teach children about different scientific disciplines and help them see themselves in science.  

The activities were also indicative of the perspective of the I-Sci Explorers team itself. Paige collaborates with Carolyn McDonald, a psychology graduate student, to create programming that fosters children’s autonomy, belonging, and growth mindsets in STEM fields. Their approach integrates cutting-edge research from education and psychology to support the development of children’s STEM curiosity, connection, and confidence. 
  
The booth also featured giveaways such as stickers, featuring exciting new designs from research done on campus. Paige and Carolyn took time to talk with families about the value of STEM education, introducing the I-Sci Explorers program and inviting children and their families to attend future programming.  

“It’s about showing kids that science is for everyone and creating a space where they feel they belong,” said Paige. By blending research with hands-on activities, Paige and Carolyn inspire children to see themselves as future scientists and innovators.