Southwestern Oklahoma State University
02/02/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/02/2026 16:37
SWOSU Natural History Museum Leads Science Outreach at Stafford Elementary
Third-grade students listen as SWOSU faculty and students present museum specimens and demonstrate biological tools during their science outreach visit at Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford Elementary School.
Faculty and students from the Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) Natural History Museum and Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences visited Lt. General Thomas P. Stafford Elementary School to provide a hands-on science experience for third-grade students. The outreach focused on direct observation, discussion, and interaction with real scientific tools and specimens commonly used in biological research.
During the visit, students examined museum specimens including native Oklahoma wildlife and learned fundamental concepts in biology through guided activities. Fossils, preserved specimens, and live demonstrations helped students connect classroom lessons to the natural world. Dissecting microscopes and compound microscopes were used to observe structures up close, allowing students to see details not visible to the naked eye and better understand how scientists study living organisms and fossils.
SWOSU student Darby Elmore stands beside a microscope and display specimens while assisting with hands-on biology activities.
SWOSU student Madilyn Crisp presents preserved specimens and educational materials related to wildlife during the visit.
The visit was led by Dr. Renan Janke Bosque, curator of the SWOSU Natural History Museum, and Dr. Marcella Santos, both faculty members in SWOSU's Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. They were joined by SWOSU students Erik Mesta, Erica Kline, Darby Elmore, and Madilyn Crisp, who assisted with specimen demonstrations, microscope activities, and small-group instruction throughout the visit.
SWOSU students Erik Mesta and Erica Kline share preserved specimens and educational materials with elementary students.
By handling real specimens and observing biological structures up close, students were encouraged to ask questions, think critically, and connect classroom lessons to the natural world around them. The outreach experience aimed to spark curiosity about science while emphasizing the importance of biodiversity, fossils, and natural history collections.
With the support of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences and the SWOSU Foundation, SWOSU Natural History Museum continues to connect the university with local schools through educational outreach. Activities such as this reflect SWOSU's role in supporting science education and community engagement while providing young learners with opportunities to experience biology beyond the classroom.
To learn more about the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, visit https://www.swosu.edu/biological-sciences/index.php.
About Southwestern Oklahoma State University
Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) was founded in 1901 and offers over 100 undergraduate and graduate programs across three locations in Weatherford, Sayre, and Yukon. The university serves over 5,000 scholars and prides itself on affordability, small class sizes, and over 200 faculty and staff committed to helping students achieve their academic and personal goals.
Thinking about becoming a Bulldog?
Choosing the right university comes with plenty of questions about applications, costs, and campus life. At SWOSU, students benefit from strong programs, a supportive community, and plenty of opportunities to get involved. This FAQ highlights answers to some of the questions students most often ask when considering SWOSU.
FAQs
How to apply to SWOSU?Start your application process by visiting SWOSU's admissions page to choose the path that fits you to submit your application!
To learn more, visit the SWOSU Admissions page.
For graduate degrees, you submit your application through the Graduate Application Portal and include transcripts and immunization records. Deadlines vary by program.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Tuition rates for SWOSU vary based on residency status and credit hours. For the most accurate and current tuition information, please refer to the official SWOSU Tuition and Fees page.
SWOSU welcomes transfer students! Requirements depend on hours completed: if under 24 hours, submit an application, test scores, and transcripts. For more than 24 hours, submit your application, transcript(s), and immunization records. A GPA of 1.7 is required for up to 30 hours; 2.0 is required beyond that.
To learn more, visit the Transfer Students page.
SWOSU offers a range of financial assistance, including scholarships, grants, and loans. These can come from academic departments, foundations, or federal and state resources.
To learn more, visit the Scholarships & Grants page.
SWOSU's "In-State + $1 Tuition Program" allows non-resident (including transfer and international) students to pay the in-state tuition rate plus $1 per credit hour. No extra application is needed. Savings can exceed $3,450 per semester (based on 15 credit hours).
Note: This rate applies to tuition only, not fees, housing, meal plan, or books. To learn more, visit the In-State + $1 Tuition page.
Yes! SWOSU offers graduate programs in areas such as Education, Business, Nursing, Allied Health, and more.
To learn more, visit the Graduate School Admissions page.
Yes. SWOSU offers online courses and degree options across undergraduate and graduate levels to give students flexibility with their schedules.
To learn more, visit our SWOSU Online page.
On-campus housing includes traditional residence halls and apartment-style living. These options offer amenities like meal plans, laundry, and social spaces.
To learn more, visit our Residential Life page.
SWOSU hosts more than 80 student clubs and organizations-ranging from Chemistry Club, Scuba Club, Gaming Club, Honors Associations, Hispanic American Leadership Organization, to Faith-based, academic, and recreational groups.
To learn more, visit the Student Organizations page.
SWOSU offers services including academic advising, tutoring, writing support, health and counseling services, financial aid assistance, residence life, library, and more.
To learn more, visit the Student Services page.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University published this content on February 02, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on February 02, 2026 at 22:37 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]