At Sawyer we have the privilege of working with hundreds of inspiring educators around the country. The curricula always foster enriching atmospheres for children of all ages to discover their love of learning and grow as people.

We got the opportunity to chat with Martina Paillant, Owner and Founder of Make Chem Possible, a STEM educator in Brooklyn who is on a mission to ignite curiosity and passion for STEM through hands-on experiments, camps, and classes. We learned more about the benefits of out-of-school enrichment activities, inspiring moments in and out of the classroom, and so much more.

Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! I’d love to hear a bit more about you and why you started your business.

As a science educator with extensive experience in both secondary and post-secondary education, I started this business to make complex scientific concepts accessible, engaging, and fun for learners of all ages and abilities. My work focuses on integrating project-based and informal learning strategies to spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire the next generation of scientists and thinkers. Simply put, I believe science should be joyful, hands-on, and for everyone.

Can you describe an inspiring moment you’ve had as an educator?  

For me, it’s always inspiring when children can confidently recall basic chemistry concepts and begin to understand their impact—both helpful and harmful—in the real world. It’s powerful to see them realize how deeply science is woven into everyday life. These moments highlight the importance of making science relatable and meaningful.

What’s the most rewarding thing about teaching children?  

The most rewarding part of teaching children is seeing the moment of clarity when a complex scientific concept suddenly makes sense to them. It’s especially powerful when they can explain the reasoning in their own words and connect it to real-world applications. That spark of understanding and confidence is what makes it all worthwhile.

What’s one time a child surprised you and made your day?

One time, a child surprised me by creatively applying what we’d just learned about rust and oxidation from the air to explain why metal objects change over time. Their curiosity and insight reminded me that young learners have an endless capacity for critical thinking and fresh perspectives. Moments like that truly make my day.

On a similar note, what’s the funniest thing a child has done in your class?

When we adopted our class pet, a grow-in-water crab, one camper immediately named him Jeremy and even wrote a song about our beloved mascot. Jeremy quickly became a fan favorite, bringing extra fun and creativity to the classroom.

Why is after school/extracurricular enrichment and camp so important for children?

Kids today are often overwhelmed by screen-based learning that doesn’t engage their hands or spark their imagination. At Make Chem Possible, after school enrichment and camps are essential because they provide hands-on, project-based learning that brings real-world science to life with fun and excitement. This approach not only fuels curiosity but also strengthens important skills like listening, reading, and writing comprehension.

How do you think children can discover their passions when they’re not in school or your programs?

At MCP, our mission is to spark curiosity about the world by connecting children with the natural environment around them—even in urban settings like NYC. We encourage kids to explore local flora and fauna, helping them recognize scientific processes such as photosynthesis and symbiotic relationships during everyday activities. Alongside these real-world observations, our programs include advanced chemical reactions and science experiments that follow state standards and prepare students for future scientific learning. By blending hands-on exploration with rigorous, project-based learning, we aim to equip children with lasting science skills and a lifelong passion for discovery.