The University of Michigan's Museum of Zoology (UMMZ) recently brought museum collections into the spotlight at the U-M Science Olympiad STEM Expo, an outreach event connected to the annual UMSO Invitational Tournament.

Hosted by U-M Science Olympiad, the competition welcomed more than 1,200 middle and high school students from nearly 90 schools, mostly from across Michigan, with some teams traveling from as far away as Peru. Between the testing events and the awards ceremony, students explored hands-on science through interactive tables hosted by U-M departments and student organizations.

UMMZ joined the Expo to share the science behind museum collections and biodiversity research, offering a complementary perspective alongside the event’s many engineering-focused displays. “Being part of this event was a great opportunity for us to engage students with real specimens and show how collections-based research helps scientists understand life on Earth,” said U-M researcher Anthony DiMeglio, who coordinated the UMMZ effort.

Coloring sheet by scientific illustrator John Megahan.

 

With teaching specimens from across zoological divisions, printed materials, and conversations led by UMMZ volunteers—Ashley Jones, Yu Kai Tan, and Andressa Viol—the UMMZ table was a popular stop during the event.

Events like the STEM Expo provide opportunities for UMMZ to connect with future scientists, educators, and Wolverines, while highlighting the role museums play in discovery, education, and conservation.