Students in Iowa State University’s (ISU) Plant Pathology, Entomology and Microbiology (PPEM) Microbiology Club are bringing science to life for young learners across Ames. Through hands-on demonstrations, interactive activities, and enthusiastic storytelling about the microscopic world, the club is helping spark curiosity about microbes and the scientists who study them.
According to club vice president Charlie Fisher, community engagement has become a major focus for the student organization this year. For the club, outreach is about more than sharing knowledge; it’s about building connections and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
“Community outreach is an important part of creating a community in any club,” Fisher said. “Our club also aims to inspire young scientists, and the only way to do that is to get into the community and find the next generation of microbiologists.”
Bringing Microbiology to the Classroom
Most of the club’s outreach efforts have focused on visits to local elementary schools. During these visits, club members design activities that make microbiology accessible and exciting for younger audiences.
It is not surprising that the favorite attraction is the microscope.
“We have found that a microscope always piques interest,” Fisher said. “Some genetics-themed arts and crafts have also been a great way to have the students engage with scientific ideas in ways that are understandable.”
By combining visual demonstrations with creative activities, the club helps students explore complex scientific concepts in approachable ways.
Curiosity at the Microscopic Level
Young students often arrive at outreach events eager to learn, and that curiosity fuels memorable moments for the visiting ISU students.
“The young students have all come with very curious mindsets, which is a delight to get to experience,” Fisher said. “Hopefully, we can get them interested enough in our science to investigate the microbial world on their own.”
For Fisher, one of the most rewarding parts of outreach is seeing students look through a microscope for the first time.
“I remember how my eyes lit up the first time I experienced microscopy,” he said. “It is so cool to watch these students, who may become the next generation of scientists, experience that same feeling.”
Building Communication and Leadership Skills
While outreach benefits local schools, it also provides valuable learning experiences for club members.
Explaining microbiology concepts to elementary students challenges club members to translate complex scientific ideas into clear, simple language. This process strengthens both scientific literacy and communication skills.
“Basic communication skills are always important for community outreach, but scientific communication and literacy are extremely important in any scientific field,” Fisher said. “Einstein said that ‘If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’ There is no better way to practice this skill than to teach youth about our science.”
Through outreach, students also gain leadership experience, collaboration skills, and confidence in sharing their scientific expertise with broader audiences.
Connecting Outreach to Iowa State’s Mission
The club’s work in local schools reflects the broader mission of the Microbiology Program at Iowa State University: educating the next generation of microbiologists.
“The microbiology program at ISU is obviously about educating the next generation of microbiologists,” Fisher said. “These young scientists do not just exist on campus, though. They are everywhere.”
By connecting with students beyond the university, the Microbiology Club helps create early pathways into science for young learners who may one day study microbiology themselves.
Fun, Science, and a Little Valentine’s Day Humor
In addition to outreach, the club organizes a variety of events for members throughout the year. These include agar art competitions, social activities, and educational tours of campus microbiology-related facilities, such as the ISU winery and brewery.
One of the club’s most popular traditions is its annual Valentine’s Day “Microbe Sale.” During the event, students and staff can purchase stuffed toy microbes representing different microorganisms.
“The idea is that students can get a microbe that usually spreads the old‑fashioned way for their partner on Valentine’s Day,” Fisher joked, noting that many students also choose friendlier microbes as quirky gifts.
The sale is more than just fun; it also supports the club’s outreach efforts. Funds raised help pay for supplies used during STEM nights and school visits.
Looking Ahead
Club leaders, including club president Faith Hansen, hope to expand the organization’s outreach efforts in the coming years.
“So far, our outreach efforts have focused largely on elementary school-age groups,” Fisher said. “We would love to see more outreach at higher education levels to let K–12 students experience the wonders of microbiology.”
By continuing to engage students across age groups, the Microbiology Club hopes to deepen its impact in Ames and inspire even more young scientists to explore the invisible world that shapes life on Earth.
For more information about the Microbiology Club, visit their website at https://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/undergradmicroclub or follow the group on Facebook and Instagram.