Every year, the University of Washington welcomes thousands of elementary and middle school students to Engineering Discovery Days, where hands-on activities spark curiosity about engineering. This year, the Department of Chemical Engineering showcased a variety of interactive exhibits that gave students a closer look at the field in action.
One featured activity, Edible Alginate Product Engineering, used edible boba to introduce students to product design and process engineering. We spoke with Tata Serebryany, a chemical engineering Ph.D. student at the University of Washington, about what makes hands-on STEM outreach so impactful.
What made the Edible Alginate Product Engineering activity so effective for Engineering Discovery Days, and what were some of the students’ reactions?
The kids love boba! Sugar is always an effective teaching tool because it captures students’ interest and connects chemistry to something they already know and enjoy. The students were really invested in scaling up production and had tons of ideas for improving our boba factory. It’s safe to say we’ll have plenty of both product and process engineers in the future!
What goes into designing a successful STEM outreach activity, and what have you learned from implementing this one with students?
This activity was originally designed as part of a freshman engineering lab final project at the University of Utah. We adapted it for the AIChE K-12 outreach competition, where it won first place in 2022. Since then, I’ve run this activity more than 50 times across five states and two countries for audiences of all ages (2–85), and there’s always something for everyone to learn and experience!
When designing a hands-on engineering module, we make sure it connects to students’ interests and ties into their school curriculum.
A strong activity balances creative and quantitative elements. Both improve dramatically when students can iterate and try things multiple times, as they do when making boba. I’ve learned to ask lots of questions and really let the kids lead the discussion.
Why is it important for chemical engineers to participate in outreach events like this?
Kids need to see that engineering can be fun! Most of us grew up without ever hearing about chemical engineering, so it’s important to show the community what we actually do.
Volunteers at STEM Pals include graduate and undergraduate students from many disciplines, each bringing unique experiences and enthusiasm. As chemical engineers, we have an opportunity to showcase the breadth of our field—including industries like food and beverage that students might not immediately associate with chemical engineering.
I encourage everyone to explore the AIChE K-12 outreach modules list, which provides step-by-step instructions for this activity and many others.
Why STEM outreach matters
Outreach events like Engineering Discovery Days not only introduce students to chemical engineering, but volunteers like Tata, parents, and others at the University of Washington emphasize how enriching the experience is for those involved in the event.
"Getting kids, and their parents, engaged with fundamental concepts in chemical engineering through creative, hands-on activities is exactly the type of outreach we need," says Dr. Elizabeth Nance, Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Washington. "It's really a joy to watch so many young minds light up at each demo."
Interesting in finding out more about K-12 programs and how you can get involved? Check out the links below and help open up a world for students—and find your own satisfaction in spreading the excitement of chemical engineering.
