MMLI’s education team strives to make science, especially ongoing research at MMLI accessible by creating activities and curriculum to engage K-12 students with little to no chemistry background.
The Thrust 5 team has implemented several pilot programs that are currently undergoing project evaluation to prepare for future opportunities for engagement. Contact us if you are interested in such opportunities!
We have worked with youth from 1st-12th grade and are happy to provide engaging, hands on activities for any group. Youth grades 4/5 and up benefit the most from our content, but all ages have fun!
“Nothing in science has any value to society if it is not communicated.”
– Anne Roe
Ongoing Activities:
- Recruitment for High School Curriculum Pilot program. Contact moleculemaker@illinois.edu if you’re a high school chemistry teacher who is interested in running the high school Chemistry curriculum pilot!
- MATRIX-Edu summer research opportunities for U.S. undergraduate/community college students
Past Activities
Lab 217 Escape Room
Molecule Maker Camp
A week long immersive experience (“Enzyme package”) in the world of MMLI. Rising 9th and 10th graders from Chicago were provided an opportunity to experience dorm living while being trained as molecular innovators.
After School Program Pilots
Pilot 1: The Well Experience
6 week bi-weekly program with middle and high school girls from The Well Experience Urbana (6th-12th grade participants). Example of the “peptide package” option for engagement with MMLI.
Pilot 2: Imagine STEM Saturdays
5 week program with middle school students through WYSE in partnership with DREAAM and Urbana Neighborhood Connections. (6th-8th grade participation). Example of the “peptide package” option for engagement with MMLI.
Field Trips & One Day Visits
An example of the MMLI “atomic package” – groups from Uni High Summer Camp, Next generation high school, Franklin STEAM academy, and I-EXPLORE groups have joined us for a single day field trip to explore how molecules can be represented as lego blocks, get a tour of the Molecule Maker Lab, and if possible, submit a molecule of their own choosing to synthesize!
Digital Tools
Digital Molecule Maker
Use molecule “lego blocks” to create your own molecule!
Use this interface to supplement our MMLI in a box curriculum, a field trip to the Molecule Maker Lab, or in your own curriculum or activity! The prototype can be accessed here, but fun new changes are coming soon!