AdvanSix Brings Soil Science to Life

At AdvanSix, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders by making science engaging and relevant to students. Recently, team members brought this mission to life during a visit to Harry E. James Elementary School in Hopewell, VA, where they delivered an exciting, hands-on lesson in soil science to third graders.

The students welcomed the AdvanSix team with curiosity, laughter and plenty of questions. Andy Girvin, Plant Manager at the Hopewell facility, kicked things off with a fun guessing game:
"How long do you think our Hopewell plant has been in operation?" One student confidently guessed four years, but the surprise came when Andy revealed the correct answer: over 100 years. With wide eyes, one student eagerly asked, "Are you that old?", to which laughter filled the room.

As the students began exploring soil science, they got a chance to learn about fertilizers and the important role they play in agriculture. Mike Hamilton, Vice President and Business Director of AdvanSix's Plant Nutrients business, shared insights about plant growth and sustainability.

"At AdvanSix, we make food for plants, so they can grow the food we eat," Hamilton explained, connecting the dots between soil health, fertilizer and the food on their plates. The discussion gave students a new perspective on everyday science, sparking their curiosity about where food comes from and how plants grow.

The interactive lesson reached its high point with a unique surprise. Rachel Jones, Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability at AdvanSix, introduced the "fertilizer fun box," a hands-on educational kit developed in partnership with Nutrients for Life, an organization dedicated to promoting soil science education.

"I had the joy of pulling the biggest surprise out of the fun box - a pair of Hanes briefs! The laughter and excitement among the students and staff was unforgettable," Rachel said. The cotton underwear, however, wasn't just for laughs - it served a scientific purpose. The students will bury the briefs in the soil as part of a lesson to observe how microbes break down natural materials. A few weeks later, they'll dig them up to see how the soil's microbes have started to eat away at the cotton.

The visit was a rewarding experience for our team members, who enjoyed giving back to the community and inspiring young minds. By providing engaging and educational experiences, we're not just inspiring but also empowering the next generation of scientists and innovators.

"We were blessed with the opportunity to exchange ideas and spark curiosity with these young minds. It's incredibly rewarding to inspire a child's interest in science - once that spark is ignited, it can grow into a lifelong passion that stays with them. We're looking forward to continuing to deepen and strengthen our partnerships with local schools," Rachel added.