To inspire future generations, high-school members of the Hastings STEM Club collaborate to create hands-on activities for Hastings Elementary students. During their meetings at Lexington High School, members brainstorm project ideas, organize logistics, and map out the curriculum for their seasonal visits.

“We have two types of meetings,” senior Matthew Chen, a leader of the Hastings STEM Club, said. “One meeting is at LHS, where the leaders and volunteers can talk about how things are going. Usually, it’s related to creating projects, getting the logistics of when you’re going, and reaching out to the teachers or the principal at Hastings. Then the other half is going to Hastings, and that’s where the actual fun begins—where you get to interact with the kids and talk with them, showing off your STEM knowledge.”

At the elementary school, Hastings STEM Club members introduce kids to scientific concepts through personalized projects and interactive activities. Depending on the project, activities can vary widely among different STEM topics.

“We’ve done a strawberry DNA extraction. We’ve done a photosynthesis lab,” Olivia Bao, a senior and leader of the club, said. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of being a member is seeing the young students’ minds grow a passion for STEM. 

“I remember when I was a kid and I did experiments during science class. I would be so surprised or inspired,” sophomore Erin Sim said. “And when the kids feel that way, I feel really rewarded thinking, ‘Oh, we inspired another kid to be interested in STEM’.”

Due to the nature of young children and hands-on activities, keeping them in order can be challenging.  

“For some of the Hastings meetings, at least, just corralling the kids is a big challenge, because they’re so energetic,” Bao said.

In addition to the current system, the club is debating plans to increase its outreach from Hastings to other elementary schools. 

“We would 100% be interested in branching out,” Bao said. “But I think the main problem is that there are so many logistical difficulties behind that. If we just start going to Fiske or whatever, […] we would need more people.”

Through the club, high school students have learned to teach and plan various projects, as well as communicate with younger children. The Hastings STEM Club undoubtedly serves to strengthen Lexington’s youth by motivating elementary school students.

“The main goal we want to accomplish is to inspire the future generations, not just for a future in STEM, but having certain skills of being able to think critically and use empirical evidence,” Chen said. “Those skills are going to be important for them in the future.”