STEM

STEM at USNA entails a different approach to recruiting and retaining technologists. We engage elementary, middle, and high school students and teachers in a wide variety of science and engineering activities, such as:

1. STEM Camps and Mini-Camps
   • Summer STEM Program
   • Girls Experiencing Technology through Innovative Topics now available: 2013 Brochure
2. Science and engineering internships
3. Tours of USNA technical laboratories
4. Field trips by local schools to USNA to see science and engineering projects
5. Teacher Training
   • SET Sail Teacher Training 2013 Information and Application
   • SeaPerch/NOAA Ocean Exploration Workshop
6. Visits to local schools by USNA personnel to provide demos and displays
7. Science-fair judging
8. Career day visits
9. Competitions, contests, and showcases
   • Army-Navy Bridge Design Contest:
10. Midshipmen Outreach Activities
    • Midshipmen Teaching Science Follow the link to learn about a group of midshipmen, who dedicated their spring break to do hands on science activities with students at the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation
11. Faculty and Midshipmen Educational Initiatives
    • A Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Lesson Plan for Teaching Water Quality Concepts in China Midshipman 1/C Claire Fletcher
      • MIDN Fletcher's Independent Research Project was based on her experiences as an Oceanography major, spending a semester abroad, and her work as a midshipmen instructor with the USNA STEM Program.
      • Abstract: The future of environmental problem-solving is education. The U.S. is investing in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education to better prepare students to face these coming environmental challenges and the drawbacks of a nation falling behind developmentally. China similarly faces impending devastation from environmental degradation including water scarcity, declining water quality, and regional climate change. Like the U.S., China needs to expand STEM education to better prepare for future challenges related to environmental sustainability as well as political, societal, and economical sustainability.  The natural progression of society places this responsibility in the hands of future generations. Some key concepts in environmental and oceanographic science are already taught in schools in the U.S. and China, but incorporation of these concepts into current and existing hands-on STEM lesson plans will generate early interest in youth STEM learning through creative methodology and practical application.
      • Abstract continued and Research Poster
    • Aquaculture Engineering Hands-On Education Model Prof. Cecilia Steppe, Carla Neal, Louise Wallendorf, Prof. Angela Moran, and Prof. Gwen Gray
    • Using the Amazing Atmosphere to Foster Student Learning and Interest in Meteorology  Prof. Bradford Barrett and LCDR John Woods

These activities are meant to initiate interest and enthusiasm for STEM participation in academic and career choices, using the outstanding USNA resources as a foundation

Our unique approach is defined by a project based curriculum derived from our ABET and Middle States accredited engineering and science programs, focusing on current topics of faculty research, and using a pyramid structure with practicing technologists, educators, and mentors at the top.

For more information please contact Professor Angela Moran at amoran@usna.edu

New Happenings from the STEM Office

Midshipman Rhyan Lange Represents the STEM Office

"Office of Naval Research (ONR) held a conference today October 22, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency in Arlington, Virginia. I was lucky enough to volunteer to man the USNA STEM booth at this prestigious conference hosted by the director of ONR: RADM Klunder. Many visitors and exhibitors were intrigued by our USNA STEM booth. We had many STEM projects on display for them to play with. Every person who approached our booth had many questions extending from “how do your projects work?” to “how do you outreach to local schools in your area?” The best part of this experience was socializing with many different people. I was able to tell everyone about my experience with STEM that has included STEM camps, outreach programs, and internships. I was even lucky enough to tell my story to RADM Klunder and RADM White. Overall, I can say that today was a great day." MIDN Rhyan Lange at the ONR Naval Science and Technology Partnership Conference.

LCDR John Woods and MIDN Eric Emerling with the Honorable Ray Mabus, Secretary of the Navy

USNA STEM Office was represented by LCDR John Woods and MIDN 1/C Eric Emerling at the Czech-U.S. Sustainable Energy Conference: “Innovation in Sustainable Energy” held in Prague at the Czernin Palace 20-21 September. They met with the Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and provided a review of the USNA STEM programs and "STEM in a Box" Curriculum. The U.S. Naval Academy donated a STEM "starter kit" to the Czech Republic for students to gain hands-on experience in sustainable energy resources, like hydroelectric power, solar power, biomass, and biofuels. A Czech teacher was invited to participate in SET Sail, the USNA STEM Office workshop for teachers to engage in project based learning and best STEM classroom techniques. USNA attended in support of ONR STEM efforts.

The STEM Office is now on Facebook:

The USNA STEM Office is a proud official partner of the United States Science & Engineering Festival:

The Nifty Fifty (times 2) are 100 of the most dynamic scientists and engineers in the United States. They were selected for their unique ability to inspire the next generation of students to pursue careers in the STEM fields. They were chosen from among thousands of candidates nominated by over 500 leading professional science and engineering societies, universities, research institutions, government agencies, STEM education outreach organizations, and leading high tech and life science companies.