MIRA logo - rainbow letters spell out ¡MIRA!

 

SparCQS is designed to:

  • Expand access to STEM education across Arizona and beyond
  • Translate advanced research into accessible, hands-on experiences
  • Build student confidence in science communication and leadership
  • Strengthen pathways from early STEM exposure to research careers
  • Foster meaningful connections between NAU and community partners

Support ¡MIRA! SparCQS

SparCQS – Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science – is an outreach and workforce development initiative within the Center for Materials Interfaces in Research and Access (¡MIRA!) at Northern Arizona University. The program connects cutting-edge materials and quantum science research with communities through hands-on, interactive learning experiences. At the same time, SparCQS prepares NAU students to serve as leaders in science communication, education, and community engagement.

SparCQS advances ¡MIRA!’s mission to increase access to STEM by making complex science approachable, engaging, and relevant to diverse audiences.

The idea behind SparCQS is to facilitate meaningful outreach that does exactly that: it reaches OUT! Mobile STEM laboratories have been shown to successfully promote active engagement with hands-on learning by providing students and communities alike with access to sophisticated laboratory tools and research.  We are doing just that for Northern Arizona!

What We Offer

 

Hands-On STEM Demonstrations

SparCQS delivers interactive demonstrations that are designed to be engaging, visual, and accessible for a wide range of audiences. The activities introduce core concepts in:

    • Materials science
    • Quantum science
    • Energy, light, and matter
    • Real-world research applications

 

Student-Led Facilitation

NAU undergraduate and graduate students lead SparCQS programming and serve as ambassadors for STEM, helping to inspire and mentor the next generation. Through training and real-world experience, students develop skills in:

    • Science communication
    • Public engagement
    • Leadership and teamwork
    • Outreach facilitation

 

Community Partnerships

SparCQS collaborates with:

      • K–12 schools and educators
      • Tribal and rural communities
      • Community organizations and nonprofits
      • University and research partners

 

Program Structure

SparCQS is built on four core pillars:

Foundations
Grounding activities in key scientific concepts and learning objectives

Facilitation
Training students to communicate science effectively and inclusively

Demos & Builds
Developing hands-on, interactive demonstrations

Program Support
Coordinating logistics, evaluation, and program sustainability

Learn more about the quantum mobile project…

Contact

For more information about SparCQS, partnership opportunities, or student involvement, please contact us at @ 📧 MIRA@nau.edu
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