Developed by Alexis Markavage, a Ph.D. student in Science Education at Indiana University and former elementary teacher, this project is proudly supported by the Daisy M. and Vivian L. Jones Fellowship Award. The award recognizes innovative approaches that enrich elementary education and promote equity through access to meaningful learning experiences.
What It Is:
Pop-Up Science Sparks brings hands-on, inquiry-based science displays directly into schools. Each station invites students to explore big science ideas through play, experimentation, and observation. Signage and teacher support materials accompany each exhibit, making it easy to integrate science learning into everyday classroom life.
Why It Matters:
Not all students have equal access to high-quality science experiences. This project helps close that gap by sparking wonder in shared school spaces, encouraging both students and teachers to engage with science in creative and concrete ways.
How It Works:
Pop-Up Science Sparks is designed for accessibility, mobility, and impact. The exhibit consists of 7 interactive science stations that rotate through local schools on a monthly basis. Exhibits will officially launch in Fall 2025 at the Indiana University Library, after which public elementary schools in Bloomington, IN will be invited to apply to host the exhibit.
Each selected school will display the exhibit in a shared, high-traffic area, such as a library, multipurpose room, or main hallway, so that the entire school community can engage with the science concepts throughout the day. During the exhibition period (typically 2-3 weeks), teachers are encouraged to bring their classes in small groups to explore the stations. Every display includes inquiry-based signage and optional handouts to help guide student engagement and support classroom discussions and extensions. The design ensures that learning continues beyond the exhibit space, sparking new questions and investigations back in the classroom.
To Apply:
If you're a school administrator or teacher in the Bloomington, IN area and would like to host the exhibit, we invite you to apply using the link below. Exhibits are available on a rotating basis during the 2025–2026 school year.
☞ Apply Here
Follow Along:
This project is being studied for its impact on science engagement and learning. Updates and insights will be shared as the exhibit travels.
Made possible by the Daisy M. and Vivian L. Jones Fellowship Award
in partnership with Indiana University School of Education.