Cultivating the STEM pipeline by translating glucose sensor research into a hands-on outreach activity

This report describes a hands-on outreach activity for middle school students on the topic of glucose sensing. The activity was formulated from a research project to develop a carbon nanofiber (CNF) sensor for glucose detection. The objective of the activity was to translate glucose sensor research to middle school outreach in order to increase the students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through engaging and scientifically relevant activities. Over a two year period, eight groups totaling 150 students conducted a hands-on investigation using commercially available glucose sensors and glucose testing strips with lab-prepared glucose solutions. As the activity evolved, later groups had content that addressed adopted science standards and developments in the area of glucose sensing, including using carbon nanofiber electrodes. The results suggested that, overall, the activity increased the participants' interest in STEM and knowledge of the activity topics which included sensors, diabetes management and differentiation of a solute.