Members of Denison’s Women in Numbers Initiative (WiNI) took part in Denison’s Service Day this November, working with a group of about 20 second- to fifth-grade students from Newark City Schools for an afternoon of hands-on exploration in math, computer science, and data analytics.
The event — arranged by the Denison Community Service Association and After School Adventures — highlighted Denison students’ ongoing commitment to outreach and to creating opportunities for young learners to see themselves in STEM fields.
“We gave them a glimpse into how meaningful getting a higher education can be,” said Gracie Cates ‘26, who helped organize the event. “We gave tours and held events with 22 campus organizations — 345 kids came over four days!”
The excitement was evident throughout the afternoon as students engaged enthusiastically with each challenge.
The elementary school students rotated through three 15-minute activities designed and led by WiNI members.
Tic-Tac-Toe Data Collection
Data analytics major Tanisha Mandlecha ’27 introduced students to foundational ideas in data collection. As they played rounds of tic-tac-toe, Mandlecha guided them in counting X’s and O’s, identifying winners, and observing simple patterns — helping them see how everyday games can generate meaningful data.
Eleanor in a Maze
Computer science students Eleanor Murphy ’26 and Shizza Shafqat ’27 demonstrated how computers rely on clear, precise instructions. Students worked together to “program” Murphy out of a taped-out maze using limited commands such as “left,” “right,” “forward,” and “turn,” offering a playful introduction to computational thinking.
Math Jeopardy
In a fast-paced team competition, students tested their math skills through a Jeopardy-style game covering age-appropriate topics. Split into four teams, they collaborated, strategized, and cheered each other on.
