Meet the Lab

Meet the Lab introduces middle school students to scientific research through a human lens—focusing on the real-world problems that research seeks to impact (why science is done), the science practices used by researchers (how science is done), and creating opportunities for students to relate to professionals in the field (who science is done by) to develop their own identity in the sciences.

Plan some time with students to explore online Wisconsin science labs doing amazing research and impacting lives. From “Antibiotic Hunters” to “Data Decoders” there is a broad array of science types and experiences to learn from.

Each featured Wisconsin science lab includes the following media:

• STEAM Digital Identity Cards—A card activity designed to introduce students to scientists in a more personal way, building on the research that if students can relate to people in science, engineering, arts, technology, and math fields (STEAM), they are more likely to enter into a STEAM career or utilize the practices in their own lives. Students can make their own digital Meet the Lab identity card.
• “Why Research Matters” Video—a short documentary-style video that profiles an individual or group impacted by the featured lab’s research. This video will illuminate the ways that scientific research stems from real-world problems or phenomena.
• Questions to Consider – discussion prompts that go with the Why Research Matters video.
• “Ask a Scientist” Videos– videos of scientists answering questions about the labs they work in and related scientific concepts.
• Science Practices Discovery Activity
• Educator Guide