The Naval Academy is expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) outreach this year with two new programs designed to develop enthusiasm for the sciences in elementary, middle and high school students.
The academy will host “Expanding Your Horizons,” a one-day conference for middle school-aged girls Oct. 15.
This event is sponsored by the Office of Naval Research and will include hands-on activities to nurture interest in the sciences and encourage girls to consider careers in STEM fields. Participants will learn about aerospace engineering, systems engineering, medicine, physical sciences and naval intelligence.
“They will learn how to untie a knot mathematically, do biometrics, design bridge buildings, and more,” said mechanical engineering professor Angela Moran.
The girls will interact with STEM faculty and meet other potential role models, including female officers from other commands at the career fair. Midshipmen will also be assisting in facilitating the conference.
“This is a great opportunity for them to get more information on different career paths and how they can benefit from those, either as a military or a civilian with a STEM career,” said Moran. “It will be a career-oriented activity.”
The academy also implemented “Math in a Box,” an interactive after-school program for students developed by Beth Mutch, chemistry learning specialist in the academy’s Academic Center. Each box consists of different math-related activities to engage students in learning over several weeks. Activities include logic and strategy games that appeal to students. They will be encouraged to complete each activity in order to receive a certificate of completion.
“Math in a Box” will be offered to 4th through 6th grade students in Prince George County Schools initially, with the intention to expand the program to other local county schools next year.
The academy’s STEM faculty continue to focus on other outreach programs, including facility tours and panel discussions for prospective students and working with the MAG tutoring program “Mids for Kids.”
“We are trying to get more mids involved, and we are being very hands-on with that,” said Moran.
STEM outreach also offers programs designed for science teachers. The academy hosted two Stem Educator Training Workshops during the summer and continues to train educators around the country through the SeaPerch program. Through this program, teachers learn how to teach their students to build an underwater remotely operated vehicle.
