Science Alliance
Supporting Science & Tech Education.
Science Alliance brings working science professionals into 3rd and 4th grade classrooms to lead hands-on labs. Students don’t just read about science—they experience it alongside the people who practice it every day. Visiting experts span a wide range of fields: earth scientists, ecologists, healthcare professionals, neuroscientists, geneticists, biologists, and more.
Each session gives students a genuine look at what science looks like as a career—and a firsthand experience that textbooks simply can't replicate.
What students will explore
Scientific Thinking
Hands-on lab investigations across life science, earth science, ecology, and health sciences.
Evidence-based reasoning
Scientific method by asking questions, forming hypotheses, collecting and analyzing data.
Curiosity
Observational thinking and evidence-based reasoning.
Inquiry
Group problem-solving and collaborative inquiry.
Career awareness
Diverse science career fields: ecology, medicine, neuroscience, genetics, and more.
"There is great value in having students interact with professional scientists in our elementary school classrooms."
D97 Kindergarten Teacher
Oak Park, Illinois
Every Dollar Opens a Door.
OPEN's programs are free to students — and possible because of the generosity of our donors, partners, and community. Your support keeps STEAM exploration accessible to every child in Oak Park, regardless of background.