I had a successful site visit to Bowie State University today. A well-known #HBCU located in Maryland, Bowie State has joined forces with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR), one of the nation’s leading research institutions, to launch an exciting summer outreach program at Bowie called GEMS (Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science) run by the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP). To read about the program: www.usaeop.com
The collaborative effort between Bowie State and Walter Reed aims to provide an enriching educational experience for middle and high school students (while actively engaging STEM students at Bowie as their mentors and facilitators) interested in pursuing careers in the STEM field including STEM teaching.
As part of the National Science Foundation (NSF)‘s Noyce Scholarship Program at Bowie, the GEMS program is offering a unique opportunity for students to engage in hands-on learning, gain exposure to cutting-edge STEM research, and cultivate their passion for STEM careers while inspiring Bowie students to consider STEM teaching, mentoring, and facilitating via the ongoing #NoyceProgram. Bowie students are trained by the WRAIR staff and are required to develop a lesson plan before the start of the program.
The 8-week GEMS summer program is an intensive, immersive experience designed to introduce students to various aspects of STEM. The curriculum combines classroom instruction and presentations, real-laboratory work, clinical exposure, and ongoing mentorship support by Bowie undergraduates, Noyce project team members, and STEM faculty mentors while providing the participants with a very comprehensive understanding of STEM education and profession.
Today, I witnessed a lesson taught by two Bowie student mentors (seen in the pictures below) on equilibrium, stability/balance, bridges, and how to make a bridge using some household materials. (I saw some yarn!)
The collaboration between Bowie State and the WRAIR brings together the expertise and resources of both institutions. Bowie State, with its strong academic programs in the sciences and teacher preparation program, offers a solid foundation in STEM education and teacher preparation, while Walter Reed, renowned for its cutting-edge research and clinical practice, provides an exceptional platform for STEM exploration. By merging their strengths, these institutions offer an unparalleled opportunity for middle and high school students to gain exposure to the multifaceted world of STEM education.
