Imagine slipping into a crisp white lab coat, snapping on a pair of goggles, and having access to state-of-the-art instrumentation.
Welcome to Students 2 Science (S2S), a Whippany-based educational nonprofit where students become scientists and learning translates into real-time experimentation. Since 2009, the organization has delivered STEM programming to hundreds of school districts across North Jersey.
The organization provides students in grades 3-12 with hands-on STEM instruction via livestream to classrooms and in the Technology Centers. “Our goal is to inspire the next generation of STEM leaders,” said Dan Barnett, Chief Development Officer of S2S.
For the Virtual Lab Program, experiments align with state requirements and are tailored by grade level. As part of the in-laboratory experience, elementary students might identify animal tracks using research methods or navigate an autonomous vehicle to assist with reforestation efforts.
Every day experiences provide teachable moments that kids can understand outside the classroom. “Maybe some kids are scared of bees, and then they learn how they benefit ecosystems, plus they produce honey, and then we eat the honey,” Barnett explained.
Food offers a practical example of science in action. “Food is ultimately chemistry and biology,” Barnett said. “Recipes and cooking? All science.” Students analyze ingredients in common products and learn the difference between natural and biomanufactured substances.
S2S also hosts workforce-readiness programs that connect high school students with local professionals and provide insights into in-demand STEM careers in NJ. In addition to partnering with schools, S2S offers a STEM Summer Camp.
As students advance, so does the curriculum. Middle and high school programs introduce engineering, AI, computer science, and robotics through relatable projects like understanding Bluetooth technology or coding robot functions. Students receive AI literacy training that emphasizes using the technology as a tool. “We stress that human knowledge and creativity come first.”
www.students2science.org