The Delaware Biotechnology Institute (DBI), in partnership with AstraZeneca and the University of Delaware’s College School and Lab School, hosted a Family STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) event on May 16 at The College School/Lab School. More than 120 students, parents and teachers engaged in hands-on science activities to draw focus on the importance of STEAM training and jobs to the community.

John Koh, director of Delaware Biotechnology Institute, welcomed guest at the event and thanked the host, coordinators, teachers, and UD graduate student volunteers and guest volunteers from AstraZeneca.  Jennifer Gallo-Fox, an assistant professor in UD’s College of Education and Human Development, and special guest Ruud Dobber, the president of AstraZeneca US, also welcomed the guests.

“At the University of Delaware we are working to strengthen science education in the state and region through the development of a STEAM Education-Hub,” Gallo-Fox said. “Family STEAM night illustrates one way we can impact children, families and teacher education when we bring together the resources of our campus schools, teacher education, Delaware Biotechnology Institute and our local industries and scientists.”

As a part of DBI’s Science for All Delawareans program, Family STEAM Night is designed to engage elementary and middle school students with science through fun and educational hands-on experiments.  Included with the hands-on experiments, images from the UD Art in Science and art produced by children at the schools, including 3D printed art, were on display for the participants to observe. The Family STEAM Night is an effort to address the fallout of students from the sciences by exposing them to exciting hands-on experiences.

Students and their parents performed three experiments that highlighted the three pillars of research at DBI: human health, agriculture, and the environment.  Participants had the opportunity to learn about microorganisms found in local soils. They observed bacterial growth samples of rocky soil and compost to see how the microorganisms help to provide nutrients to soil for enhancing plant growth.