Cena y Ciencias—Science Demonstrated in Spanish by Hispanic Role Models

March 11, 2020

“We use language as a powerful tool to connect with the communities and provide an example for the children.” – Felipe Menanteau

Felipe Menanteau teaches the youngsters at Cena y Ciencias about heat and temperature.
Felipe Menanteau teaches the youngsters at Cena y Ciencias about heat and temperature.

Pizza. Exciting demos (including one featuring a blowtorch!). Hands-on activities related to temperature. These are some of the fun things a group of Kindergarten through 5th graders from two Urbana elementary schools, Dr. Preston Williams and Leal, experienced at Cena y Ciencias (Supper and Science) on March 2nd. The evening at Williams was comprised of supper (pizza) followed by science, of course. The night’s theme was: “Put to the Test of Fire: Materials That Protect Us.” However—probably most important of all—the night’s activities were all conducted in Spanish by scientists of Hispanic heritage.

Cena y Ciencias (CyC) is a Spanish-language science outreach program for two dual language program schools held monthly at Williams throughout the fall and spring semesters. CyC partners include the Illinois Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (I-MRSEC), NCSA (the National Center for Supercomputing Applications), the Center for the Physics of Living Cells (CPLC), the Illinois chapter of the Society of the Advancement of Chicanos and Native American Scientists (SACNAS); Urbana School District, Champaign Unit 4 School District, 4-H, as well as parents from those schools. Moreover, the National Science Foundation has been a source of support for the program since its inception.

Faculty and researchers from the above University partners and from a variety of disciplines across campus, including Astronomy, Chemistry, Materials Research, Engineering, and others, help with lesson content, developing ideas and concepts to be communicated, plus demos and hands-on activities to underscore principles being taught. Helping with activities and serving as role models are Spanish-speaking students who are passionate about science outreach.

Paul Ruess interacts with a youngster.
Paul Ruess places a few drops of water on a youngster's hands during an activity.

One driving force behind CyC, both in curriculum planning and implementing the program, is Chemistry Associate Professor Joaquín Rodríguez-López, who characterizes CyC as a community. “CyC is truly a group activity, and it works so well because of the engagement of all involved, from the student volunteers from the SACNAS chapter, to the university staff, the teachers and staff at participating schools, the PI’s that learn how to better explain their science, and all the members and invited scientists that design and test the experiments. It’s strength in community. We are also extremely grateful to the institutions that allow this to happen, these are manifold, and in the specific case of my laboratory, support from NSF is crucial.”

Serving as the supervisors for Cena y Ciencias are Mariela Saenz, the coordinator for the Urbana programs, and Lina Florez, the coordinator for the Champaign programs. A senior in Astronomy and Physics, Forez is also part of the BESO (Bilingual Engineering and Science Outreach) program at CPLC. According to Florez, the CyC theme for the 2019–2020 school year has been Salvar El Mundo (saving the planet). The idea behind the March 2nd lesson was to help the kids understand the difference between temperature and heat. It addressed the thermal properties of materials, flame resistant materials, and new ways to apply materials to protect people.

Felipe Menanteau and Pena Martin prepare to do a blowtorch demonstration about high-temperature-proof materials used in space shuttles.
Felipe Menanteau and Pamela Pena Martin prepare to do a blowtorch demonstration about high-temperature-proof materials used in space shuttles.

Starting the evening off with a bang was Felipe Menanteau, an NCSA research scientist and Astronomy Research Associate Professor. Menanteau’s eye-catching demos addressed the difference between heat and temperature, and how different materials react to/behave with heat.

Usually, an adult leader presents CyC demos, with children seated a safe distance away and not necessarily interacting with or touching anything. I-MRSEC outreach coordinator Pamela Pena Martin claims the goal of the demos is to be “very showy” and to “WOW” the kids. Filling the bill on March 2 was a demo performed by Menanteau and Pena Martin: he wielded a blowtorch, aiming it at some heatproof, fire-resistant materials she held in front of her. This demo was demonstrating heat-resistant properties in materials, such as those used to shield space shuttles to protect them on reentry into earth’s atmosphere, for instance.

Next, youngsters participated in several hands-on activities addressing the theme of the night. These activities were geared toward different age groups: younger kids (K–2nd graders, 5–8 year olds), older kids (grades 3–5, ages 8–11), or the whole K–5 range. In the first hands-on activity, the kids were using different tools (their hands/senses, an aquarium thermometer, and a digital thermometer) to measure the temperature of three different rods, made of copper, plastic, and wood. The second activity involved kids rubbing some liquid from two different bottles on their hands: one bottle contained hand sanitizer, the second, water. After having a little liquid placed in their hands, they were to either blow on them or wave them around. Blowing on their hands after applying the hand sanitizer was supposed to make them seem colder than after using the water. But in reality, both liquids were at room temperature.

Florez, who worked with kindergarten through 2nd graders, explains the concept behind the March 2nd hands-on activities.

Lina Florez works with young children during Cena y Ciencias.
Lina Florez shows children a digital thermometer reading during a Cena y Ciencias activity.

“So the kids were touching things, and they were feeling maybe one thing is hotter, or cooler. But we were trying to show them that overall, the temperature was the same. Our bodies can be deceiving, and so that’s why scientists develop instruments to specifically test everything, just so that we know that we’re a little faulty or misguided in how we perceive things. That’s why we develop tools to help us in the bigger picture.”

Florez believes the kids were receptive to the lessons, admitting that while it’s sometimes hard to get their attention, “When they sit down, they’re very receptive. They definitely want to play, and they definitely want to learn. It’s a great environment.”

Florez likes participating in outreach events like CyC because of the impact similar events had on her as a child. “I personally benefited from outreach, so I definitely want to help and make sure everybody has access to science and learning, and having the opportunities to explore what is out there: that’s what I do. I’ve benefited so I want to give back.”

Two youngsters listen while a lesson about heat and temperature is presented.
Two youngsters listen while a lesson about heat and temperature is presented.

CyC planners also seek to provide something purchased or that kids can make during the lesson to take home to continue learning about the night’s topic. Addressing this idea of something youngsters can repeat at home was third-year Physics PhD student and CPLC BESO student Luis Miguel de Jesus Astacio.

“Usually we try to design the activity in a way that it can be easily transported to their house, so if they are still curious after Cena y Ciencias, they can just go through their house, play with stuff they find around their house, and they can just keep on learning. We try to use materials that can be found anywhere. It doesn’t have to be here or in a lab to be able to do these kind of things.”

Another theme taught earlier in the semester included: “Today’s Technology for Tomorrow’s Humankind.” The February 3rd activities were designed to give kids an appreciation of size scale, from atoms to galaxies, vacuum science, and materials for space travel, such as high pressure, temperature, etc. Later in the spring, CyC will address “Clean energy for all and everything” (May’s theme), which will deal with renewable energy, solar energy, batteries, etc.

Paul Ruess has fun with a youngster during Cena y Ciencias.
Paul Ruess has fun with a youngster who's reading the temperature on a digital thermometer during a Cena y Ciencias activity.

However, while monthly lessons are related to science those who suggest the various topics are studying, carefully prepared according current pedagogy, and designed to engage various age groups, Menanteau says there’s an over-arching goal that’s even more important than communicating science content. “The principle of these sessions is not to create scientific literacy with the Latino kids,” but to “inspire potential scientists.” He explains that CyC’s main goal is Latino PhD, Master’s, even undergrad student volunteers serving as role models for Hispanic youngsters. Menanteau says CyC addresses a much-needed niche in the community.

“"I think this program helps repay the debt that the University of Illinois has with the community. We are one of the best universities in the world,” he continues, “and we interact very little..." We are one of the best universities in the world,” he continues, “and we interact very little with our communities, which suffer from poverty, immigrants, and the disadvantaged. Some of them rarely see themselves as potential scientists.”

So one goal of doing sessions in Spanish, according to Menanteau, is to inspire youngsters, many from Guatemala, Panama, or from Mexico, “who would otherwise never assume that they could be scientists. We don’t expect them to become scientists, but we want to give them the opportunity and role models, so that they can potentially see themselves, not just as landscapers or bus drivers. They can see themselves in the faces and skin tones of grad students or scientists who speak the same languages.”

Luis De Jesus works with young children during Cena y Ciencias.
Luis De Jesus discusses a thermometer reading with young children during Cena y Ciencias.

Agreeing with Menanteau about CYC’s providing Hispanic role models is Luis De Jesus. “I think it’s very important for the kids to get involved with science beyond classrooms. And specifically, in my case, I think it’s really important for the kids to see other Hispanics in scientific roles, so that they can project themselves in that context as well. I don’t think every single kid has to be a scientist in the future, but I think it’s very healthy for people to have a scientific intuition and just to be curious in general. I think activities like this one encourage both curiosity and help with scientific thinking.” 

Regarding the impact of the March 2nd activities, De Jesus reports, “I think it helped them see the concept they might have been studying in their classrooms in a more practical setting.”

De Jesus, who got involved with CyC three years ago, has never met an outreach program he didn’t like. He’s involved in a number of others, such as CPLC’s BESO program: “I think events like these are very important. Right now,  we are doing our best to expand and have many more schools [that] have similar programs. Last semester, we started a similar program at IPA (International Prep Academy). I think it’s important just to keep going, and see that there’s more to science than just learning and exams.” 

Two Illinois students do an activity with young visitors during Cena y Ciencias
Two Illinois students, Damián Castañeda and Deirdre Stone, show young visitors two bottles of liquid, rubbing alcohol and water, in preparation for a hands-on activity with them during Cena y Ciencias.

Like De Jesus, Joaquín Rodríguez-López is also committed to outreach. “I decided to become a professor because I love to teach and help others pursue questions about the world and how to better it through science. CyC allows me to do that with children that are starting to marvel and ask questions about the world.”

Rodriguez-Lopez also agrees with exposing young Hispanic children to the idea that there are scientists of color and that they, too, could become one. I think it’s important to be a role model, and to let children know that it is great to explore all these questions growing in their minds, and that if you pursue these, you may discover something new. Then, they realize they are scientists – in fact, when I am on stage with them, I call them “the scientists” – and that age, or skin color, or language has nothing to do with becoming accomplished scientists.”

He also believes another benefit of CyC is that students get to share the science they learned with parents and other family members.

Guadalupe Herrera (right) helps youngsters who are enjoying an activity during Cena y Ciencias.
Guadalupe Herrera (right) helps youngsters who are enjoying reading a thermometer during an activity.

“CyC is also about creating a supporting community around them, that helps them nurture their scientific interests,” he explains. “They see happy and accomplished graduate student volunteers, and professors, and university staff enjoying scientific activities. The pizza dinner is the catalyst to get them all engaged, but the real reward is getting the families involved and building the notion that exploring scientific curiosity is a great life choice.”

Cena y Ciencias Lesson Plans

Below are two 2019-2020 Cena y Ciencias sample lesson plans courtesy of Joaquín Rodríguez López:


Story and photos by Elizabeth Innes, Communications Specialist, I-STEM Education Initiative

More: Cena y Ciencias, I-MRSEC, K-6 Outreach, SACNAS, Underserved Minorities, 2020

For other I-STEM articles about Cena y Ciencias, see:

Children at the March 2nd Cena y Ciencias watch Felipe Menanteau perform a demonstration about heat and temperatureChildren at the March 2nd Cena y Ciencias watch Felipe Menanteau perform a demonstration about heat and temperature.

An Illinois student interacts with young visitors during Cena y Ciencias. An Illinois student, Edzna Garcia, has placed rubbing alcohol on the hands of young visitors during Cena y Ciencias.




SOLIDarity EXperiences (SOLIDEX) through the Eyes of Children

What do children aged 11-13 in two countries think about solidarity?
Full Story

Students launch ASL STEM Vocabulary App Company

Students launch ASL STEM Vocabulary App Company
Full Story

Innovation, Inspiration on display at the Undergraduate Research Symposium

Undergraduate Research Week took place April 23-29, 2023, and culminated Thursday, April 27, 2023
Full Story

What would you like to see – 3D printers? Magnets? Solar-powered racing cars? Robobrawl?

March 28, 2023
EOH occurs Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Full Story

Tour of Illinois’ Materials Research Lab through I-MRSEC sparks Franklin students’ interest in Materials Science

March 1, 2023
Students from the Champaign middle school had a tour of the Material Research Laboratory (MRL) in early February.
Full Story

Nobel Project’s End-of-Year Zoom Bash Recaps Learning

February 1, 2022
The STEM Illinois Nobel Project held a special, end-of-the-year Zoom event celebrating its participating students’ achievements.
Full Story

It’s not magic, it’s physics

January 26, 2022
In Franklin STEAM Academy, Musical Magnetism program makes STEM fun, approachable.
Full Story

Program prepares STEM educators to teach all students

November 30, 2021
This summer, a group of educators gathered to learn about engaging STEM activities they can do with their students.
Full Story

Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program

November 11, 2021
Undergrads get a taste of research through I-MRSEC’s REU program.
Full Story

Goldstein’s Renaissance Engineering Summer Camp

November 1, 2021
Goldstein’s Renaissance Engineering Summer Camp Incorporates Art, Design, Mechatronics, and Mentoring
Full Story

TechTogether Chicago to Redefine the Hacker Stereotype

July 10, 2021
New workshops that can help inspire students to pursue careers in technology..
Full Story

Aerospace Engineering Launches Virtual Summer Camps to Pique Students’ Interest in Aero.

July 2, 2021
Design an aircraft then watch it soar after launching it with a huge rubber band. Build a Mars lander to safely transport a real egg, then test the contraption by dropping it from a second story window.
Full Story

Undergrads Experience Materials Science Research Courtesy of the I-MRSEC REU

June 16, 2021
Ten undergraduate students are spending the summer of 2021 discovering what research is like.
Full Story

MatSE Afterschool Academy

MatSE Afterschool Academy

June 14, 2021
MatSE Afterschool Academy to Introduce Students to Materials Science and Beyond.
Full Story

Taylor Tucker Embraces Multidisciplinary Interest

Taylor Tucker Embraces Multidisciplinary Interest

June 14, 2021
Taylor Tucker Embraces Multidisciplinary Interest While Researching Task Collaboration.
Full Story

Exposes Franklin Middle Schoolers to Science, CS

What Studying Engineering at Illinois is Like?

May 25, 2021
NSBE’s Michaela Horn Exposes Franklin Middle Schoolers to Science, CS, and What Studying Engineering at Illinois is Like.
Full Story

Jenny Saves a Convertible.

Children’s-Book-Writing Duo/

May 19, 2021
Convertibles and Thunderstorms—Children’s-Book-Writing Duo on Their Way Thanks to Illinois Training and Encouragement from Mentors.
Full Story

Improve Learning in Engineering

Improve Learning in Engineering

May 17, 2021
Liebenberg Espouses Mini-Projects to Engage Students Emotionally, Improve Learning in Engineering.
Full Story

Joshua Whitely makes an adjustment to the 3D Bioprinter during the demo.

BIOE435 Capstone Projects

May 12, 2021
BIOE435 Capstone Projects - BIOE Seniors Use Knowledge/Skills to Problem Solve.
Full Story

Elani and Gonzalo shine a UV light on a rose that has absorbed a solution that has made it fluorescent.

Illinois Scientists Shine a (UV) Light on Fluorescence

May 7, 2021
What is fluorescence? What causes it?
Full Story

Joshua Whitely makes an adjustment to the 3D Bioprinter during the demo.

HackIllinois 2021 “Rekindled Connections” With The Tech Community

May 5, 2021
Annual student hackathon HackIllinois with the aim of developing projects on current problems facing society.
Full Story

A Shane Mayer-Gawlik image of the Bridger Aurora, part of his Night Skies photography collection exhibited at the Art-Science Festival.

The Art-Science Festival

April 26, 2021
Illinois Art-Science Festival: Illuminating the Universe...from the Quantum World to the Cosmos.
Full Story

Joshua Whitely makes an adjustment to the 3D Bioprinter during the demo.

Illinois Engineering Seniors Prepared to Change the World

April 22, 2021
Ready. Set. Go! Illinois Engineering Seniors Prepared to Change the World.
Full Story

HML 2021 Virtual Health

HML 2021 Virtual Health

April 19, 2021
Make-a-Thon Gives Citizen Scientists a Shot at Making Their Health-Related Innovations a Reality.
Full Story

I-MRSEC’s Music Video

I-MRSEC’s Music Video

April 7, 2021
I-MRSEC’s Music Video for EOH ’21 Plugs Graphene, 2D Materials
Full Story

Health Make-a-Thon Orientation

HML 2021 Health Orientation

March 30, 2021
HML 2021 Health Make-a-Thon Orientation Prepares Finalists for Competition.
Full Story

Andrea Perry shows Franklin students how to take apart the magnetic drawing board they received in their kit

Musical Magnetism

March 25, 2021
Musical Magnetism: Encouraging Franklin Middle Schoolers to Express Science Via the Arts.
Full Story

Carmen Paquette street performing.

Love of Science

March 9, 2021
Paquette Conveys Her Love of Science, Dance to Franklin STEAM Students Via Musical Magnetism.
Full Stroy

An Engineering Exploration participant exhibits the tower they built as part of the engineering challenge related to Civil Engineering

Engineering Exploration

March 2, 2021
SWE’s Engineering Exploration Outreach Lives Up to Its Name.

ChiS&E’s Family STEM Day

ChiS&E’s Family STEM Day

February 23, 2021
Helps Chicago Youngsters Progress Along the STEM Pipeline Toward Engineering.

Kathny Walsh

Kathy Walsh

February 17, 2021
On Her First Foray into STEAM, Kathy Walsh Acquaints Franklin Students with Microscopy, Haiku.

ChiS&E student

ChiS&E CPS Students

January 19, 2021
Illinois Undergrads Encourage ChiS&E CPS Students Toward Possible Careers in Engineering.

I-MRSEC’s Music Video

CISTEME365 Provides Year-Round PD/Community

January 4, 2021
to Illinois Teachers in Support of Informal STEM Education Efforts to Underserved Students.