MRSEC offers science outreach programs for K–12 students and teachers. For more information about our science outreach programs, contact Chris Ahn, director of education.

Programs for students and families

After-school science clubs

Through our after-school science clubs, MRSEC volunteers work closely with a group of students to introduce them to scientific concepts and develop their interests and curiosity in STEM fields.

Modern Materials and Technologies

MRSEC graduate students work in close collaboration with a physics teacher to design and teach a weekly high school course at Lindblom Math and Science Academy.

Family Science Nights

MRSEC partners with K–12 schools to design and run Family Science Nights throughout the school year. This free service includes a team of MRSEC volunteers who bring supplies, set up science stations, and run interactive science demonstrations for families.

eSMART

Through this immersive summer program, high school students interested in physics meet MRSEC scientists, learn about research, tour our facilities, try hands-on experiments, and attend field trips to museums and laboratories.

High school internship

The high school internship program provides students the opportunity to work and conduct research in MRSEC laboratories. We match high school students with a lab group and a graduate student mentor based on their research interest.

Programs for teachers  

Polk Brothers Mathematics Program

The Polk Brothers Mathematics Program introduces teachers to the practical application of mathematics to materials science and provides them with related educational activities that they can incorporate into their classrooms.

Teacher STEM professional development

MRSEC works with K–12 schools to provide professional development sessions for teachers to practice new and engaging teaching strategies in STEM.