Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, in November, the Jacksonville State University (JSU) Women in STEM (WIS) club conducted interactive STEM activities for fourth graders at Kitty Stone Elementary School. This visit marks the second time the WIS club has engaged with students at Kitty Stone since its establishment in 2022. Last year, they successfully led similar activities with second graders.
“They enjoyed it so much that they requested another visit this year,” said Sharifah Albraiki, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry at JSU and a WIS club member.
This year, WIS members organized a diverse range of activities covering topics in chemistry, physics, geography, and animal illustration. Students learned about states of matter, the periodic table, and various chemical reactions. They also explored different rocks and minerals during the geography segment, while Rebekah Taylor, assistant director of the Little River Canyon field school, brought frogs and turtles for the animal illustration session.
“Both the second and fourth graders at KSE, along with our JSU student volunteers, had a fantastic time,” Albraiki said, emphasizing the educational value of the experience.
Given the positive reception, Albraiki hopes to schedule more visits, potentially to Jacksonville High School, with activities like DNA Day and other engaging STEM events. The WIS club aims to inspire young learners and encourage them to pursue careers in STEM fields. Albraiki expressed gratitude to the JSU students and advisors for their dedication and hard work, which greatly contributed to the outreach success.
The WIS club is committed to supporting female students interested in STEM, focusing on outreach, professional development, and annual conferences.