The program, part of the Army Educational Outreach Program, introduces students to STEM concepts through hands-on activities and interaction with scientists, engineers and other technical professionals.
Source: U.S. Army White Sands Missile Range
Based on a story by Miriam U. Rodriguez, WSMR Public Affairs
Photos By Jose Salazar: Courtesy
Middle school students from across the region spent a week exploring science, technology, engineering and mathematics through the Gains in Education Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at White Sands Missile Range from June 15-19.
The program, part of the Army Educational Outreach Program, introduces students to STEM concepts through hands-on activities and interaction with scientists, engineers and other technical professionals.
“We do a lot of hands-on activities,” said Jessica Sosa, a Human Resources Specialist who leads the program at White Sands Missile Range. “Students got to tour the WSMR Museum and were treated to lessons from experts in climatics and dynamics, robotics, binary coding, optics and radio frequency.”
Throughout the week, students participated in experiments, demonstrations and team projects designed to expose them to a variety of STEM fields. The program concluded with a robotics competition that allowed participants to put their newly developed skills to the test.
“We are hoping to introduce students to STEM, especially if they haven’t already considered it as a possible career,” Sosa said. “The ultimate goal is to encourage them to consider STEM as part of their secondary and post-secondary education.”
For many students, the experience provided an opportunity to discover new interests.
Celeste Castanares, 12, who will enter seventh grade this fall, said one of her favorite parts of the program was learning about climatics and dynamics.
“I loved all the programs they set up for us and getting to meet new kids,” Castanares said. “I discovered that I really enjoyed the climatics and dynamics class. I even told my mom how much I enjoyed it.”
Erik Woosley, 12, a sixth-grade student, said meeting professionals working in STEM fields helped make the lessons more meaningful.
“I enjoyed talking with the engineers and the people who work here,” Woosley said. “My favorite part was all the exciting things we got to see and do, especially the missile launchers and the egg drop experiment.”
Woosley said he has long been interested in science and mathematics and that participating in the program strengthened his interest in pursuing those fields in the future.
Programs such as GEMS are designed to help students explore career opportunities while building skills in problem solving, teamwork and critical thinking through hands-on learning experiences.
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