'Abbott Elementary' sets up Curiosity Cube in Philadelphia to engage kids in STEM

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- ABC's hit show 'Abbott Elementary' is inspired by schools in Philadelphia.

Now, the show wants to help inspire local students to reach for careers in STEM. It's the reason why a pop-up full of experiments and inspiration stopped by James Rhodes Elementary in West Philadelphia.
 
"To be able to have a field trip get dropped in the parking lot for your students, it's awesome," said Danielle Chavis, coordinator for the Curiosity Cube.

The pop-up was created by the global life science company MilliporeSigma.
 
"The Curiosity Cube is a retrofitted shipping container turned mobile science lab where we go to communities across our country to spark curiosity and the next generation of scientists," said Chavis.
 
"When they told us they were going to come and do the Curiosity Cube here, the kids were super, super, excited," said Megan Wapner, principal of James Rhodes Elementary School.
 
The cube included three hands-on science experiments. They were all based around the life cycle of a t-shirt, from what it's made of to how it can be recycled.
 
"There's little shirts and you use it and you put it on top and you got to see if it's fabric," said 4th-grader Cherish Mannino.
 
This is the sixth year that MilliporeSigma has done the Curiosity Cube. This year, they've partnered with Philadelphia's favorite show: 'Abbott Elementary.'
 
The comedy is set at a fictional elementary school in Philadelphia. Principal Wapner is among the fans of the show.
 
"I do watch 'Abbott Elementary!'" she said with a smile.
 
The show's partnership with MilliporeSigma helped bring the Curiosity Cube to Philadelphia.
 
"I know for sure that we're sparking curiosity in the next generation," said Chavis.
 
The cube focuses on traveling to Title 1 schools, where the majority of children are on free or reduced lunch.
 
"It's something we couldn't afford. We couldn't do it without the support of this community and organizations like this," said Wapner.
 
The experience opens up the world of STEM to local kids like 4th-grader Kaelief Strand.
 
"I want to be a scientist that cures cancer and makes medical potions," he said.
 
Rayvin Young is also inspired to enter a STEM field.
 
"I want to be a scientist when I grow up myself," said the 4th grader recapping her experience in the Curiosity Cube. "It was fun!"
 
The kids left with scientific souvenirs: a pair of science goggles and a kit to plant basil complete with a pot that had the 'Abbott Elementary' logo on it.
 
The kids' experience could be a big step towards a bright future.
 
"We know the more experience we give to our students in stem, it will start to spark that curiosity in them," said Wapner.
 
The Curiosity Cube is also stopping at another Philadelphia school, then the tour will continue with stops in New York City, Boston, and Houston.