Young Scientist Joins Oglala Lakota College Outreach Efforts
One of the most memorable moments from our recent teacher workshop at Oglala Lakota College came from an unexpected participant.
One of the teachers attending the workshop brought along her 8-year-old daughter, Chadlyn. Rather than simply watching from the sidelines, Chadlyn jumped right into the creative process. Throughout the workshop, she asked thoughtful questions, experimented with new ideas, and eagerly began building science activities of her own.
Over the course of the workshop, Chadlyn created four hands-on experiments. She built Put a Pin in It, where push pins dance and stand upright over a powerful ceramic magnet. She designed Gummy Clusters, a static electricity activity in which Styrofoam balls of different sizes gather into surprising little clusters. She carefully assembled a Model of the Atmosphere, using colored beads to represent the gases that make up Earth’s atmosphere. She also created an Ear Telescope—a simple device that uses a funnel and earpiece to amplify sound. While testing it, she happily discovered that turning it around transformed it into a surprisingly effective megaphone.
When the workshop concluded, Chadlyn asked a simple question: “Can my experiments be displayed with yours at Neutrino Day?”
Our answer was an enthusiastic yes.
At the Little Shop of Physics, we believe that science belongs to everyone. Curiosity doesn’t depend on age, and great ideas can come from anyone willing to explore, experiment, and ask questions. Chadlyn embodied that spirit throughout the workshop.
Her story didn’t end there. Chadlyn’s activities will become part of the hands-on outreach collection at Oglala Lakota College, where they will travel to schools and community events across South Dakota. Countless young people will have the opportunity to explore experiments created not only by scientists and educators, but also by another young scientist whose excitement for discovery was impossible to miss.
We hope Chadlyn’s story reminds others that you don’t have to wait until you’re older to become a scientist. Science begins with curiosity, creativity, and the willingness to try something new.
We’re excited to see where Chadlyn’s curiosity leads next—and we’re honored that her first creations will continue inspiring others for years to come.
