It is not what you set out to become in life that makes a career; it is what you do that becomes your career.
Inspired by Science creator Deena Antiporda lives and breathes this reality. Antiporda trained as an accountant, passed the CPA exam, became a mother, and turned her seven-year-old child’s delight in science projects into a self-sustaining charitable program that creates science kits, summer programs, and STEM workshops for kids.
When Antiporda’s oldest son, Logan, approached her one day requesting that she help him perform science experiments, she did what any good mother does: she researched a few experiments with him, pulled a few household supplies from the cabinets, rolled up her sleeves, and started experimenting different scientific principles with him. Antiporda explains that science never “spoke” to her growing up in school, but that it sure seemed to delight her son. She remembers that Logan would light up with joy as they built homemade thermometers and anemometers together. Antiporda began to wonder if it were possible to share a similar sort of joy with other children through science experiments.
From the kitchen table experiments, Antiporda devised a plan in 2010 to begin a science club at Logan’s school, Monterrey Elementary, to benefit other students. In the first year, the club’s membership soared to 75 students. Antiporda brought supplies for the students and gave them a simple set of instructions. Then, she encouraged the kids to dig into the hands-on experiments for themselves. Science club valued independent exploration with everyday items. The following year in 2011, Antiporda introduced Sci Squad. Sci Squad was a group of kids recommended by the principal to master experiments and give demonstrations at community events. Local Channel 23 featured Sci Squad in two television specials.
In the next few years, Science Club grew to 150 members, and Sci Squad continued to present in front of more and more audiences. With the expansion of science services to such a degree, Antiporda began to dream of a way that the programs could be funded. Until this point, she had used some of her own resources and Monterrey Elementary had provided the rest of the support to make Science Club and Sci Squad happen. In 2013, she pitched her programs to Jim Harrison, the then director of the Carlsbad Community Foundation. Mr. Harrison appreciated the work that she had put into her ideas and helped Antiporda formalize her pet projects into an organization called Inspired by Science; a fund was set up at the Foundation to accept donations.
Inspired by Science continued to grow and develop. Antiporda assembled a team and began hosting summer camps. Her husband, Mike, was instrumental in assisting her in the development of the program. Her boys, Logan, Riley, and Evan, helped during the camp and brought a sense of full circle completion to the program: being the inspiration behind the science experiments. Camps were held in-person from 2014 to 2019 and virtually in 2020 and 2021. The summer of 2022 will see the relaunch of the in-person camps after the onset of the pandemic. Check the Inspired by Science website for details.
Like many busy folks around Carlsbad, Antiporda did not slow down. Inspired by Science became a 501(c)3 in 2020 and now has a Board of Directors that oversees its STEM education outreach. One of the board members is of special significance to the creation of Inspired by Science — Therese Rodriguez, who was the principal of Monterrey when Antiporda pitched the idea of Science Club back in 2010. Twelve years later, Rodriguez continues to support the program and is a very active member of the Science Team.
Due to the pandemic, 2020 also saw the creation and distribution of virtual science experiment kits that were dispersed throughout Southeast New Mexico and West Texas. A few kits even traveled as far as Washington state and Georgia. Devon Energy, Nuclear Waste Partnership, and support from local businesses and individuals help this program. If you are interested in donating, head to the website inspiredbyscience.org.
Antiporda’s husband, her boys, and her parents, Robby and Judy Walterscheid, have done everything to help launch Inspired by Science. It is truly a family organization from its very beginning at the kitchen table. Even volunteers become like family. “When you’re passionate about something, you want to do it, and that thing you do becomes a direction in your life,” Deena explains. “I did not expect this direction, but Inspired by Science has become my passion.”
Straw Bridge Experiment
Design a bridge to span the length of two stacks of books using the following materials:
- 20 Straws (can be cut into various lengths)
- Tape (masking or clear tape works well)
- 3 oz paper cup
- Pennies
Different types of bridges can be used to complete the challenge. Types of bridges include truss bridges, suspension bridges, arch bridges, and beam bridges.
Using straws and tape, create a bridge.
Test how many pennies the finished bridge can support in a three-ounce cup placed in the center.
Note how many pennies can be held before the structural integrity of the bridge is compromised.
Repeat the process, creating a different type of bridge once the first bridge and test phase are complete.
Which type of bridge holds the most weight in pennies?
