(upbeat music) - This is not your typical science class.

The Nancy Arbon Kids in Science Day turns science education into a free interactive adventure.

Dr.

Cory Russo shares how the event connects young people with STEM careers.

Thank you for being here today.

- Yeah, thank you for having me.

We're excited.

- Yeah, I'm excited too.

I hear the event is almost kind of like a outdoor carnival for science.

- Yes, yes.

So this is our third year doing it and we will have an array of agencies there with different booths.

So it is like a carnival, runs from 11 to three and people can come at any time.

We'll have field trips as well that are set up.

But we do have University of Utah Hospital, public health lab, state crime lab, DHHS, medical examiner's office, agriculture.

So a lot of agencies and a lot of really cool things for the youth to learn.

- Why do you think it's important for them to kind of get hands-on experience outside of the classroom?

- Yeah, I think it bridges that gap between classroom theory, they're in classrooms all day long hearing about these things, but to be able to put it in practice is important.

And also for them to be exposed to these types of fields when they may not otherwise be exposed at that age.

- Yeah, you're kind of training future scientists, future kids who might go into STEM.

- Yes.

- What does that mean to you in kind of keeping up the memory, the legacy of Nancy Arbon?

- Oh, it's super important because Nancy was a friend and a colleague to many of us.

And the first year that I came up with this idea, she just jumped on it and took a very active role and was super passionate about it and helping kids.

And she was just a good, solid human being outside of even all of the important work that she did.

And so naming this event after her to honor her, it was a no-brainer for us.

She's incredible.

And so to be able to continue this in her memory is really great as well.

- I love that.

Well, thank you so much for stopping by.

If you would like to check out the Nancy Arbon Kids in Science Day, it's September 16th from 11:00 AM until 3:00 PM at Utah Public Health Lab Courtyard.

Just head to their website that's on the screen.

That's ag.utah.gov/events for more details.

I'm Liz Adeola.

Thank you for watching Contact.

(upbeat music) Philanthropy, Arts, culture.

It's what brings us together.

Hi, I'm Liz Adeola, the host of Contact, a show that connects you with local events and organizations that serve your community.

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