SMATE Brings Science to Life for Local Students
This spring has been a busy season at the Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education (SMATE) program at Western Washington University, where the team has been hosting groups of Pre-K through 12th grade students multiple times a week. Through hands-on, interactive science stations, students are not only engaging with scientific content—they’re also getting a taste of the college experience at Western.
Over the past three springs, SMATE staff, student employees, and graduate TAs have developed a wide array of science stations designed to captivate young learners. These activities provide visiting students with a “menu” of learning options inside the Learning Resource Center (LRC). Students might find themselves testing an earthquake simulator, experimenting with a straw launcher, engaging in computational thinking or getting up close with live organisms. Popular living exhibits include two tarantulas cared for by Lori Torres and an intriguing group of stick bugs.
“Fostering a love of science is a community effort,” said Whitney Morrison, SMATE’s Facilities, Collections and Technology Manager. “When young students come into our space, interact with science content, connect with WWU students, and leave saying things like ‘I’m coming to WWU one day,’ it’s clear we’re making an impact.”
Just last week, Roosevelt Elementary School’s 4th-grade students visited WWU for a customized learning experience. Teacher Jennifer Hanley partnered with SMATE to reinforce classroom instruction on “transfer of energy.” Morrison tailored a series of science stations to complement their curriculum, offering students opportunities to apply what they’d been learning to new, hands-on scenarios. After the fieldtrip, parents of the elementary students reached out to the teachers to say that their kids now want to go to WWU!
“Creating student-centered, science-focused learning opportunities in the LRC is the most rewarding part of my job,” Morrison explained. “If we can inspire students to be a little more curious and to think critically about problems, then we’ve made a meaningful impact on our community.”
SMATE regularly collaborates with the WWU Child Development Center, Compass 2 Campus, student groups, and other science departments to host inclusive events that support historically marginalized communities. Morrison finished by saying that “Supporting the College of Science and Engineering’s core values and mission is integral to SMATE’s work to advance science education through collaboration, community partnerships, and experiential learning. By creating accessible, student-centered opportunities that foster curiosity and critical thinking, SMATE plays a vital role in preparing and inspiring the next generation of STEM learners.”
SMATE welcomes all members of the WWU community—and the broader public—to explore the resources and opportunities available in the Learning Resource Center.
For more information, contact Whitney Morrison (houckw@wwu.edu) or visit the SMATE website: click here