Hudson College of Public Health Brings Hands-On Science to Red Oak Elementary STEAM Night

Faculty and staff from the Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology at the Hudson College of Public Health recently joined community partners at Red Oak Elementary School for an evening dedicated to sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM). Representing the College at the event were staff members Michael Clark and Amber Freudenberger, along with faculty member Dr. Summer Frank-Pearce.

The event welcomed more than 250 students and family members, offering an engaging environment where young learners could explore science through hands-on activities while families connected with valuable community resources.

Supported by a national grant aimed at strengthening engagement in South Oklahoma City schools, the STEAM Night went beyond traditional classroom learning. The event provided dinner for families, translation services to ensure accessibility, and information about community resources—helping make the evening welcoming and inclusive for everyone in attendance.

Throughout the school, partner organizations hosted interactive stations designed to make science both fun and approachable. Students experimented with microscopes, tried out a flight simulator, and watched suturing demonstrations, while representatives from community partners such as OU Health Campus, Mathnasium of Southwest Oklahoma City, and the Pioneer Library Mobile Maker Lab shared activities that encouraged curiosity and creativity.

The Hudson College of Public Health team led one of the evening’s most energetic demonstrations—showing students how germs spread from person to person. Using glow powder to represent germs, children exchanged high-fives and handshakes before placing their hands under a black light to reveal how quickly “germs” can travel through simple contact. The activity concluded with a demonstration of proper handwashing techniques, helping students see how a simple habit can protect friends, families and entire communities.

By translating a core public health concept into an engaging, hands-on experience, the Hudson College team helped young learners understand the science behind everyday health practices. Events like STEAM Night reflect the College’s mission of promoting healthier tomorrows through education and research today—by inspiring the next generation to think about science, health and community well-being in new ways.