Interactive workforce and STEAM event introduces middle school students to life sciences careers through hands-on exploration and live science demonstrations
COLUMBUS, Ohio — May 27, 2026: Ohio Life Sciences (OLS), in partnership with COSI, brought the HIVE Roadshow and OLS Learning Lunchbox experience to Wedgewood Middle School on Wednesday, May 27, giving sixth-grade students an immersive introduction to Ohio’s growing life sciences industry and the many careers connected to it.
The event welcomed approximately 120–150 students for a morning of hands-on STEAM learning, live science demonstrations, and direct engagement with professionals working across Ohio’s life sciences ecosystem.
Designed to make workforce development interactive and accessible, the HIVE Roadshow connected students to real-world careers through engaging educational experiences focused on science, innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving.
As part of the experience, students also received the new OLS Learning Lunchbox, a hands-on educational kit designed for grades 5–8 that explores how lifesaving treatments move from scientific discovery to the patients who need them.
“The goal of the HIVE Roadshow is to help students see themselves in the future of science, healthcare, and innovation,” said Stephen White, Chief Strategy Officer, COSI. “By combining immersive demonstrations, career exploration, and hands-on activities, we are creating meaningful experiences that inspire curiosity and open doors to future opportunities.”
The Life Sciences Learning Lunchbox includes three STEAM-based educational activities:
- Product Development: Blood Cell Model and Histology
- Manufacturing: Chromatography and Quality Control
- Distribution: Cold Transport and Shipping
Through these activities, students explored how treatments are researched, tested, manufactured, and safely delivered to patients while learning about the many careers involved throughout the process.
The event also featured large-scale live science demonstrations led by the COSI team, designed to spark excitement and curiosity around science learning.
“It is critically important that more Ohioans, particularly our young students, understand more about the impact that the life sciences and biotechnology industry will have on society in the coming years, from national security to developing life-saving treatments, and the lucrative job career opportunities that it also creates,” said Eddie Pauline, President & CEO of the Ohio Life Sciences Institute and Association. “Experiences like the HIVE Roadshow and our new Learning Lunchbox help students make sense of increasingly complex industries and realize what role they can play in our dynamic innovation economy.”
Ohio’s life sciences industry includes more than 4,900 establishments statewide spanning biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, digital health, research institutions, laboratories, gene and cell therapy, and agricultural biotechnology.
# # #
Media Link Only: To download high-quality images of the event, please click here. Credit all assets, “Courtesy of COSI.”
About Ohio Life Sciences:
Ohio Life Sciences is Ohio’s life sciences industry association, representing an industry that includes more than 4,900 establishments statewide. Ohio Life Sciences convenes and advocates on behalf of biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, labs, digital health, gene and cell therapy, agricultural biotechnology, and research and academic institutions throughout Ohio. OLS is the voice representing and advocating for the common interests of Ohio’s life sciences community.
About COSI:
COSI, ranked “#1 Science Museum in the Country” for five years as voted by USA TODAY’s 10Best, is an esteemed science center that has delighted Central Ohio with all things science for over 60 years, inspiring interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) topics and delivering our experiential, “hands-on fun” brand of learning. COSI has been awarded twelve Emmys for its effective science communication television and video productions, impacting science literacy for people of all ages. As a trusted educational resource for families, schools, and community partners, COSI is an essential element of our regional, national, and international communities, engaging millions of people annually through onsite, offsite, and online experiences. Learn more at www.cosi.org.
