Letters to a Pre-Scientist

LPS Sticker Alert! Anyone else put their new, student-designed sticker somewhere cool? We'd love to see it!

Happy International Women's Day! ?????????????In my previous post, I shared some photos from this week's International Women's Day Event at IGCS. In this post, I'd like to dig deeper into the call to action WISH-TV Investigative Reporter Cat Sandoval presented to #AccelerateAction: "Think of three ways you can accelerate the growth of women and girls in Indiana." Immediately, I thought of the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program and my latest letter to my 8th grade pen pal, Robert. The theme for this round of letters was Overcoming Obstacles, so I took the opportunity to seize on Robert's interest in basketball along with his recent trials and tribulations in learning physics to define the word "pivot" in the context of those topics, and added something special: I also framed "pivot" as a ?superpower.? Current events in government and the environmental sector are emphasizing the importance of pivoting, so this is a skill that women in girls in Indiana and beyond should consciously strengthen. I took some advice he wrote to me in his third letter--"Never give up because it will get better after some time"--and developed a seven-step guide designed to help build his pivot superpower. ?Mary's guide on building your pivot superpower? ??Step 1. Never give up (thanks, Robert)! Keep trying. Hurdles make you stronger and let you add new problem-solving skills to your playbook. ??Step 2. Stay curious! Be open to learning new things. ??Step 3. Embrace mistakes! All superheroes train through trial and error. ??Step 4. Don't be afraid to experiment! When an experiment doesn't work out how you'd like it to, you can turn that into a learning experience. Plus, unexpected results can lead to new and exciting things! ??Step 5. Ask for help when needed! Even superheroes have mentors and allies! Others can help you approach problems in different ways. ??Step 6. Trust yourself! Have confidence in your ability to adapt, learn, and grow. ??Step 7. Take action! Know that change can be scary, but when you follow all of these steps, understand that you can tackle new challenges with gusto! This International Women's Day, take a moment to celebrate the women in your life (including yourself, if applicable!), and recognize the many different hats women wear on a daily basis. With all of the societal and cultural expectations women shoulder, we are natural-born pivoters--and we are stronger together! ♀???

???? The Power of a Letter ???? At the start of the year, a 7th grader from Indiana was struggling with reading comprehension—letters were kept to just a page and a half, packed with illustrations to help. Fast forward to Round 3, and something incredible has happened... ? Their excitement and curiosity about their STEM pen pal’s field has transformed their learning journey! Now, the student is devouring 3-4 page letters, eager to absorb every detail and ask even more questions. ?? This is what the LPS program can do. A meaningful connection can spark curiosity, and build student confidence and gives them a chance to practice important literacy skills in a real world application. ???? To all the STEM professionals, teachers, and students who bring this program to life—THANK YOU for making a real impact! ???? #LettersToAPreScientist #STEMPenPals #CuriosityInspires #letteropeningparty ????

???? Teachers, want to bring real STEM connections into your classroom? Letters to a Pre-Scientist will be recruiting teachers soon for the 2025–2026 school year, and we’d love for YOU to be part of it! ???? This year, we’re proudly in 14 states —from Illinois to Texas, Ohio to California—and we’ve even reached students in the U.S. Virgin Islands! ??? Our program connects students in classrooms across the country with STEM professionals in all kinds of fields, sparking curiosity and expanding possibilities for students everywhere. ???? ?? We aim to be in all 50 states—and we’re just getting started. ?? Want to be notified when recruitment opens? Visit prescientist.org/mail to sign up for our mailing list. #LettersToAPreScientist #STEMEducation #TeacherRecruitment #StemForAll? #STEMPenPals? ???????

We love our #LPSteachers! ???? Meet Mrs. Scott, a dedicated 5th-grade teacher from North Carolina! ?? With 11 years of experience working with gifted and advanced learners, this is her 2nd year hosting Letters to a Pre-Scientist (LPS). She’s passionate about opening doors to new possibilities for her students! ???? In her spare time, Mrs. Scott enjoys cycling and spending time with her family. ??♀????? Learn more about Mrs. Scott and all our incredible #LPSteachers by visiting https://lnkd.in/evvEhCvR ?

?????? STEM professionals: Before vs. After! ???? Before the Letters to a Pre-Scientist program, some students thought STEM professionals were: ? Strict & serious ?? ? Boring ?? ? Distant & unapproachable But after exchanging letters and building connections, here’s what they’re saying now: ? Kind, sharing & caring ?? ? Fun & exciting ?? ? Passionate & inspiring ?? This is why mentorship matters. When students see the people behind the careers, STEM feels more welcoming, relatable, and full of possibility. ??? To all the STEM pros taking the time to write and share your journeys—you’re making a difference! Thank you for inspiring the next generation. ?????? #LettersToAPreScientist #STEMforAll #BeforeAndAfter #STEMisFun #FutureScientists ????

LabXchange is looking for U.S. professionals that are currently working as or have previously worked as one of the following roles: ?? Biological Technician ?? Data Analyst ?? Science Communicator Share with us your work experience and career trajectory for our ?CareerXplorer? tool in development. Reach out directly or email me at [email protected]. Folks can also help by re-sharing this post. Learn more about the CareerXplorer at https://lnkd.in/evb97CAp #CareerExploration #Collaboration #WorkforceDevelopment #CareerConnectedLearning #CareerXplorer

We love our #LPSteachers! ???? Meet Ms. Burke, a passionate 7th & 8th-grade science teacher from the west side of IL! ?? With 12 years of experience, this is her 2nd year hosting Letters to a Pre-Scientist (LPS). She’s committed to using education as a tool for social change and empowering her students to see new possibilities in science and beyond. ???? Born in Ireland, Ms. Burke believes in the power of young people and hopes to open their minds to a whole new world of opportunities. ????? Learn more about Ms. Burke and all our incredible #LPSteachers by visiting https://lnkd.in/evvEhCvR ?

? STEM professional letters sent & received ? Pre-scientist letters sent & received Roger that… all systems GO! ?? LPS classrooms across the country are gearing up for Letter Opening Day 3! ?? This round’s theme? Overcoming Obstacles ???? Because every scientist, engineer, and innovator faces challenges—and learning how to push through is part of the journey! We’re almost 3/4 of the way through the program, and we couldn’t do it without the amazing STEM professionals, teachers, and students who make this possible! ???? Thank you for being part of this mission to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals ???? #LettersToAPreScientist #OvercomingObstacles #STEMMentorship #LetterOpeningDay #StemForAll? #FutureScientists #STEMeducation ?????