91制片厂

After starting her college career at the University of Missouri, Alysse Winkelmann '21 transferred to 91制片厂 Manchester to pursue a听. The sophomore dreams of a career in neurological disorder research or child therapy鈥攂ut for now, she's sharing her passion for science with elementary school children in听the听. Below, Winkelmann听documents her experience with听these elementary school programs, which听are made possible with generous support from听the Norwin S. and Elizabeth N. Bean Foundation.

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Since I transferred to 91制片厂 Manchester, I鈥檝e wanted to dive into as many opportunities as I could find. I stumbled upon a position at the听听to work with Manchester school students in afterschool programs and was fascinated by the lab鈥檚 goal to inspire kids about the sciences. I was thrilled when I got the job and couldn鈥檛 wait to start.

I鈥檝e been focused on math and science since I started school. My dad, who has a job in a STEM field, loved doing science experiments with me and my siblings, a tradition he carries on with my 7-year-old brother. I love that I can share my passion and pass this love of science on.

Each week, about 30 kids from the听Manchester YMCA听and听21st听Century Community Learning Centers听visit the lab to learn about various science-related topics. I keep the kids organized (making name tags, taking attendance, etc.) and the most important part... provide snacks. I can describe every day in one word: crazy! But, it is so much fun.

Not only do the kids learn new things, but sometimes I do too! We鈥檝e completed activities in marine biology, coding and zombie art, a program that teaches anatomy through art projects. The kids are engaged and excited about science. My favorite part is that they ask questions. There鈥檚 nothing better than seeing a child get involved in their project and ask for help when needed.

My goal is to interact with every child in the programs, especially those who are on the shy and quiet side, as听I was the same way at their age. One girl spoke only when I talked to her at the beginning of the program. Now, she talks to me any second she can. I enjoy seeing the kids brighten up when I talk about how amazing their projects are or if I can take a picture of their creations. And now they鈥檙e asking me to take photos because they鈥檙e so proud!

It is especially important for girls to take up an interest in STEM. I was astounded when I saw the attendance sheet on my first day. More than half of the children there were girls! It warms my heart knowing this is inspiring girls.

It has been an honor working in these programs. I get to not only share my passion with the children, but watch as their fascination for science grows. I love watching them giggle with each other or concentrate and collaborate when a project gets tricky. I also sitting down with a child as they tell me what they鈥檙e doing or ask me for help because they know I鈥檓 there for them. It feels so good knowing I鈥檓 able to help children get excited about science.