Argonne National Laboratory is shaking things up in the realm of STEM education, particularly for families on the south side of Chicago. With a clear goal to make outreach events more accessible, Argonne has teamed up with community partners to bridge the gap between K–12 families and the fascinating world of STEM research and careers. This initiative is not just about throwing a few events; it’s about sparking a genuine interest in science and technology among young people who might not otherwise have the chance to engage with these fields.
The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry has become a bustling hub for this mission, attracting around 9,000 visitors daily. The recent Science Works Expo in October 2023 was a prime example of Argonne’s commitment. By providing funding for buses, 13 schools were able to bring an additional 550 students and families from grades 5–10 to the event. This isn’t just a numbers game; it’s about creating opportunities for those who might not have the means to participate otherwise.
At the expo, the hydropower team set up three interactive booths, showcasing renewable energy in a way that was both engaging and educational. Children had the chance to tinker with a model water turbine, swapping out blade designs to see which ones spun the fastest. This hands-on experience is invaluable; it transforms abstract concepts into tangible experiments, igniting curiosity and encouraging exploration. Another demonstration highlighted the role of pumped storage hydropower in energy management, illustrating how it can provide clean power to the grid when other sources fall short.
Argonne’s STEM Education Outreach team didn’t stop there. Throughout the year, they took their model water turbine activity on the road, engaging over 10,000 youth and families at more than 30 STEM festivals across Chicago and its suburbs. In November 2023, they hosted a “See Yourself in STEAM” event, where 40 high school students toured the lab, exploring various career pathways in science and technology. The hydropower and clean energy researchers played a pivotal role, serving as the “T” in technology, broadening students’ perspectives and showcasing the practical applications of their studies.
The commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment is evident in Argonne’s initiatives. In April 2024, the lab hosted a hydropower career booth at the Science Careers in Search of Women Expo, where over 350 female high school students explored career options and learned about the workings of a hydropower plant through a live demonstration. This event not only opened doors but also provided mentorship opportunities, with the hydropower team guiding four high school interns through real-world case studies over the summer.
The first annual South Side STEM Showcase in August further exemplified Argonne’s dedication to community engagement. This event brought together over 200 youth and families, allowing students from various summer programs to present their projects while fostering community pride in local STEM initiatives.
For their relentless outreach efforts, the Argonne Hydropower Team received a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Impact Award, underscoring the significance of their work. This recognition is not just a badge of honor; it’s a call to action for other organizations to prioritize inclusivity in STEM fields. As Argonne continues to innovate and inspire, the ripple effects of these initiatives could very well shape the future of the water industry and beyond, creating a more diverse and skilled workforce ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
