On Saturday, June 24th the Women’s Health Research Institute hosted its annual Women’s’ Health Science Program (WHSP) for Chicago Public High School students. This year’s theme, “Reproductive Science Saturday,” introduced students to the fields of reproductive science and medicine through interactive lectures and hands-on laboratory experiences led by Northwestern University students, faculty, and staff.

Previous WHSP programs have emphasized the interconnectedness between the STEM disciplines – science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. New in 2017, the WHSP program added an art component to its traditional STEM focus. “Over the last several years there has been a strong movement to incorporate the arts into STEM education, also known as STEAM. We know that STEM and the arts are often influenced by one another, but that connection runs deeper as the arts can be used as a tool to teach or communicate science,” says Dr. Nicole Woitowich, the WHRI Director of Science Outreach and Education.

WHSP students participated in a STEAM project created by Master’s of Science in Reproductive Science and Medicine student, Megan Runge. Students learned about the hormonal and cellular changes that take place throughout the menstrual cycle and were asked to depict them using canvas, glue, paper, and gemstones. Students created colorful flowers which also serve as a “menstrual cycle clock,” that allows them to keep track of their cycle and reminds them of the physiological changes that take place within the ovary.

“This type of activity engages students in the reproductive sciences, in a way that isn’t traditionally utilized,” Woitowich states. Thrilled with the success of the project, she hopes that the arts continue to remain a part of the WHSP program, “As with any STEM field, we rely on our creativity to generate ideas or solve problems, so it’s important to foster those skills together and early-on.”

For more details on how to create your own menstrual cycle clock or how to incorporate this activity into a classroom, please contact the WHRI at womenshealthresearch@northwestern.edu.