"Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?" An effective, interactive STEM outreach program for increasing anatomical and biomechanical knowledge across diverse populations

Abstract

Access to high-quality outreach programs is crucial for preparing students for STEM careers, yet traditional classrooms often lack diverse, hands-on learning opportunities, particularly in anatomy and evolutionary biology. We present "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?"—an interactive STEM activity that introduces K-12 students to fundamental concepts in anatomy, evolution, physics, and data analysis through real-world applications. Participants formulate hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and engage with age-tailored educational materials that support differentiated learning. We assessed the program's effectiveness through pre- and post-program knowledge assessments across 1670 participants (1045 eligible responses) from the United States and Mongolia. Results showed a significant increase in knowledge acquisition in anatomy, evolution, physics, statistics, and zoology. After controlling for confounding variables, we also observed a significant increase in interest in STEM careers. "Are You Stronger Than a Lemur?" bridges gaps in STEM education, particularly in underrepresented fields like anatomy and evolutionary biology, by providing an adaptable program suited to different age groups, genders, and countries. Its success lies in connecting theoretical concepts to tangible data, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and data interpretation skills. The program not only reinforces core STEM concepts but also offers students a unique, engaging experience that deepens their understanding and enhances their potential for future STEM careers.