July 1, 2025

By Andrea Tejada

Throughout the 2024-25 school year, in partnership with Durham Children’s Initiative (DCI), students ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade came to the Museum once a month to engage in hands-on STEM and social-emotional learning (SEL) activities through a program called Social Emotional Education for Kids, or SeeK Saturday.

“SeeK Saturday was such an exciting opportunity for our K-8 youth this year,” said Courtney Ingram, Youth Programs Manager for DCI. “It allowed them to dive into hands-on learning through STEM and SEL in a really fun way. The kids had a blast all year as they explored science through engaging activities, play, and movement. They had the chance to ride the Ellerbe Creek Railway, wander through the Magic Wings Butterfly House, and interact with some amazing live animals. There’s nothing quite like seeing the kids’ faces light up as they discover the wonders of education, exploration, and ignite all the amazing possibilities in life and science!”

From Mindful Choices, to Breaking Down Barriers, to Motivation and Collaboration, each week we explored new social and emotional learning themes and connected them with STEM topics.

“Through shared learning and experiences, these students have forged a bond with one another that shows through their continued attendance, excitement, and growth within the program,” shared Dani Riechers, Outreach Assistant and coach at DCI. “Combining SEL and STEM lessons helps to continue to engage students who may favor one topic over another, but through this all students get to explore their strengths and share their accomplishments. Whether it’s building a boat that holds the most marbles, or figuring out what defense mechanisms are, and how they’re similar to ones found in nature, our students have received an experience that will lead them forward with great creativity and critical thinking skills.”

On Saturday, May 3, SeeK participants gathered in Museum classrooms to celebrate the closing of the school year and reflect on all they had learned and experienced. We shared awards, had snacks, and got to meet some more animal friends!

As Youth Alliance Coach Jessica reflected, seeing the connections that students were making in the program was incredibly powerful.

“It was so rewarding to witness scholars learn and grow as the school year progressed, especially with the Museum-led activities,” Coach Jessica said. “By having the opportunity to explore their interests around the Museum, I was able to learn more about the scholars and their specific goals. I’ve always believed that the best way for children to learn is through exploration and play, and the Museum of Life and Science definitely delivers ample opportunities for them to do so. I’m so thankful for their commitment to teach and provide a safe space for everyone!”

And the students agree!

“I like science,” said one student who participated in the program. “The Museum has so many cool animals to see. Coming here makes me happy!”

The SeeK Saturday program was made possible by generous support from the Hagen Family Foundation and the PwC Foundation, and was developed in partnership with DCI through the Museum of Life and Science’s Ignite Learning program.