Billie Pace-Graczyk-Melson. Photos: Chris Emeott
An educator brings chemistry and physics to local budding scientists.
Billie Pace-Graczyk-Melson’s passion for science has truly been lifelong. “Thanks to my mom, who was a science teacher, my sisters and I spent our summers turning the backyard into a mad scientist lab,” Billie says.
She studied biochemistry and cellular biology at Drake University in Iowa and eventually got her master’s degree in education from Augsburg University. “I thought I should mix my science nerdiness with this love for teaching,” says Billie, who lives in Orono with her husband, Taj Melson, and their kids, Rylen, Rhett and Remi.
She landed in Robbinsdale Area Schools, teaching science at Armstrong High School, FAIR School Crystal and Sanburg Middle School. But like many families, Billie and her husband were overwhelmed by childcare costs, and she decided to become a stay-at-home mom. “I loved being home with my pint-sized tornadoes, but I missed the thrill of the classroom and the utter delight of teaching science,” she says.
When a friend asked if Billie would host a science-themed birthday party for her son, she hesitated—briefly. “Her faith in my science wizardry convinced me to give it a whirl,” she says. “It was a blast.” Word spread quickly, and Billie was soon being asked by neighbors and friends to host science parties and workshops for kids all over town. The STEM Lab of Minnesota was born.
Stop by The STEM Lab of Minnesota’s Family STEM Morning event from 10 a.m.–noon November 8 at the Plymouth Community Center.
Now, Billie (and a few part-time helpers) host summer camps, science classes and private parties that incorporate fun experiments. “Kids’ ability to question, problem-solve and learn is inspiring,” she says. “You have to provide opportunities for exploration and experimentation that don’t involve a screen.”
The STEM Lab of Minnesota’s birthday parties are mobile—the team travels to the guest of honor’s home or party venue and offers themes from Crazy Chemistry and Super Science to Dinosaur Dig and Sparkle Science. “Kids are spellbound,” Billie says. “Meanwhile, we handle all of the setup and cleanup, so parents can sip their coffee and enjoy their child’s big day.”
Ghost Candle
This spooky season, try one of Billie Pace-Graczyk-Melson’s favorite at-home projects with your little ones. Recommended for ages 4 and up with adult supervision. The flame can range from the height of a teabag to up to 6 feet, so plan your experiment accordingly.
You’ll need:
- a candle
- matches or a lighter
- a disposable plastic water bottle
- white vinegar
- baking soda
Place the candle on a fire-safe plate and light it. Fill up the water bottle about a quarter of the way with white vinegar. (If you have a funnel, this can help minimize mess.) Add 3 Tbsp. of baking soda. As the vinegar and baking soda mix, they form carbon dioxide gas. Let the reaction settle for just a moment, and then tip the water bottle over the candle, so you’re pouring the gas onto the flame. (Be careful not to pour any of the leftover vinegar liquid out onto the candle.) The flame should extinguish. “Carbon dioxide is denser than the surrounding air,” Billie says. “When you pour it, it sinks and displaces the oxygen around the flame. Since fire needs oxygen to burn, the flame goes out.”
Find more information and register for camps, classes or parties at thestemlabmn.com.
The STEM Lab Minnesota
Instagram: @thestemlabmn
