Problem
Traditional science outreach often fails to effectively engage diverse audiences due to:
Limited geographical reach and resource constraints (Woitowich et al., 2022)
Disconnect between complex concepts and everyday experiences (Shah, Glatter, & Madad, 2022)
Lack of sustained engagement mechanisms (Menezes et al., 2022)
Insufficient assessment of learning outcomes (Phillips et al., 2018)
Solution
MONET's innovative outreach program addresses these challenges through:
Scalable Research-Focused Outreach Kits (e.g., Mechanophores Kit, Materials Science of Soccer) that transform complex polymer concepts into engaging hands-on activities
Strategic partnerships with Science Olympiad, ACS Kids Zone, and local institutions to expand reach and enhance sustainability
Integration with SPDE framework, enabling graduate students to develop and refine outreach materials while gaining valuable science communication experience
Measures & Outcomes
The program's impact is demonstrated through comprehensive metrics:
Scale: Reached 9,473 participants across 26 events in diverse settings during 2024
Engagement: 80% of participants reported increased interest in science through post-event surveys
Geographic Impact: Successfully deployed at 14 locations nationwide through a distributed kit model
Educational Value: Pre/post assessments show significant gains in polymer science understanding, with powerful results in hands-on learning activities
Recognition: Received ACS recognition for an innovative approach to science outreach
Through this comprehensive approach, MONET has created a sustainable, scalable model for science outreach that effectively bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and public understanding while providing valuable professional development opportunities for the next generation of scientists.
Available Outreach Kits
Each kit contains editable resources, a guided activity, materials for conducting the activity, and a mechanism for assessment and feedback.
Click here to request a free Outreach Kit including instructions and manipulatives.
We strategically partner to:
Create new content in high-value tailored outreach experiences
Assess these activities and use that knowledge to identify
Refine especially effective components.
Expand the reach and impact of our creations by deploying them in public outreach events across the country.
Through this framework, we aim to reach non-specialist audiences of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.
To propose an outreach partnership, please contact us here.