Local families learn the science of food at UC Family Science Academy

Area middle-school students are learning science lessons with their families through the Family Science Academy, a community engagement program by the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement in the College of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati.

This summer, the academy’s theme was “Cooking with STEAM: the Science of Food.”

Six Cincinnati-area families took part in the series, the first year of this program.

Every Saturday morning for seven weeks, this group of potential scientists and engineers learned subjects like chemistry by participating in fun, hands-on activities that demonstrate science.

Experiments included making geysers from Mentos and Coca-Cola, and using water and milk to make ice cream.

The academy material is taught by Brad Mallory, an associate professor of biology at UC Blue Ash, Mallory has extensive experience teaching science to those who are not yet scientists.  He teaches the general biology sequence at UC Blue Ash, as well as courses for students in majors other than biology.

The food-centric program featured lessons on the properties of milk and butter, candy crushing, and sensory science.

The event was coordinated by Don Wittrock, program coordinator for community engagement for the office.

“Thank you to all the students and families, past and present, who have attended and supported our community engagement events, where learning and conducting science experiments as a family is always fun and exciting,” said Wittrock.

The Family Science Academy is an example of UC’s commitment to Urban Impact, specifically the CPS Strong initiative, as outlined in the university’s strategic direction, Next Lives Here.

This program engages Cincinnati youth and their families in STEM activities and establishes partnerships with local schools, creating pathways for students to become comfortable, prepared, and excited to learn and work in STEM. 

Additional programming information is available at the Office of Inclusive Excellence and Community Engagement website.