Outstanding middle school students from across the nation recently took part in a unique academic development experience, the National Youth Leadership Forum: Explore STEM, at Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts. The forum’s mission was to inspire scholars to explore career possibilities in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Three Gorham Middle School sixth graders, Jude Huckaby, Jonah Doucette, and Hayden Anderson, were nominated by their sixth grade teacher, Mr. LaViolet, to attend the week-long STEM program.
Photo credit Deirdre AndersonThree sixth graders, Jude Huckaby (left), Jonah Doucette (center), and Hayden Anderson (right), were nominated to attend a week long STEM program called Envision in July.
“STEM fields are the fastest growing areas of study, and STEM professionals are in high demand in the United States and throughout the world,” said Jan A. Sikorsky, Ph.D., Vice President of Education for NYLF Explore STEM. “These students, who have already proven themselves academically, are challenged to apply math and science skills as they work on real-world, student created projects, to bring their studies to life.”
Students who attend the program participate in a broad range of interactive simulations, hands-on workshops, and educational site visits to discover the work of today’s professionals in fields such as engineering, health care, and environmental science. Scholars of the program also learn to develop critical success skills such as time management, conflict resolution, information analysis, collaboration, and public speaking.
During the week, the boys created, programed, tested, and presented a rover to navigate the terrain of Mars; designed and built a successful 3D colony to live on Mars; and handled trauma scenarios for astronauts and Mars colonists.
Additionally, they had to design and present a prototype of a space helmet that would provide life sustaining functions for the colonists like oxygen, generation, radiation, protection, monitor life signs, and handle body waste. Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut, spoke about his missions to Mars and his 229 logged days in space.
Envision programs are designed to help students develop the leadership, scholarship, and career skills needed to succeed in today’s competitive college and career landscape. For more information about NYLF Explore STEM, visit www.envisionexperience.com.