By Andi Anderson
A unique educational experience is taking shape at the Waterman Agricultural and Natural Resources Laboratory, a 261‑acre teaching and research site in Columbus.
Each year, families gather here for the “We Grow Scientists” event, an outreach initiative designed to bring science, agriculture, and hands‑on learning to students in grades K‑12. Now in its fourth year, the event has become an important part of community science celebrations and is held in partnership with the COSI Science Festival.
The purpose of this event is to make science accessible for young learners. As part of a land‑grant institution, The Ohio State University aims to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.
This event allows students to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) in an interactive way. Children discover how agriculture supports daily life and learn about careers in fields that help sustain the environment and food systems.
The 2025 event was a major success, showing strong growth in participation and engagement. More than 651 attendees joined, marking a 19 percent increase from the previous year. The number of activity stations grew to thirty‑five, offering a wide range of hands‑on experiments and demonstrations.
A team of 164 volunteers supported the event, ensuring that every family had a memorable experience. Every unit within the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences contributed, including Extension, 4‑H, academic departments, and the School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Families shared enthusiastic feedback about their experience. Many appreciated the wide variety of learning stations, short wait times, and friendly volunteers. Popular activities included planting, taste‑testing, and demonstrations related to animal science. Young learners left with new knowledge, plants to grow at home, and a renewed interest in science topics.
The next “We Grow Scientists” event will take place on April 29, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Waterman facility. Admission is free, and visitors may park in the Carmack 5 lot. A shuttle will run throughout the event to help families reach the site easily.
Through interactive learning and community involvement, the event continues to inspire the next generation of STEAM leaders.
Photo Credit: ohio-state-university
Categories: Ohio, Education