“It’s important to get (students) to spark their interest (in science) as young as possible,” Tessmer said. “It’s hard to say why a person would decide to be a scientist, but I think those decisions really are often made at a young age, so getting in elementary schools is really key.”

Biochemistry and molecular biology senior Ashley Sample, who also is the assistant director of the MSU Science Theatre, said the group often visits elementary schools, performing interactive skits and doing projects with kids.

“We do the cool experiments sometimes teachers can’t do,” she said. “We just sort of get people interested in what we’re doing.”

MSU Science Theatre will host a Halloween show at 5:30 p.m. Friday in Abrams Planetarium. Although their shows often target the younger crowd, it is open to people of all ages.

Although volunteers mostly work locally, they also occasionally travel to other states for demonstrations. Despite the commitment, Sample said the experience is a rewarding one.

“Kids just always love it, so it’s really cool,” Sample said. “It’s really cool to see them and show them that science is fun.”

Animal science senior Kaitlyn Perry, the MSU Science Theatre’s public relations director, said this excitement is the key to making kids want to learn.

“Science has always had this boring stereotype attached to it, with the nerdy kid with glasses and textbooks,” Perry said. “That excitement factor will get you ahead in life. If we want to increase the education levels of our students, you have to use that factor, or they’re not going to want to learn it.”

In the end, Perry said the organization would be nothing without all of its eager volunteers.

“They’re all so amazing,” she said. “What we’re doing is such a good thing, and I’m really proud of all of my geeks.”

For more information on the MSU Science Theatre, visit sciencetheatre.org.