The momentum from my previous post continues as I highlight a successful site visit to Bowie State University today. Bowie State, a well-known HBCU located in Maryland, has partnered with the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR-AFRIMS) one of the nation’s leading research institutions, to host the famed STEM outreach program, Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS), for middle and high school students. This initiative is part of the Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP)
About GEMS-www.usaeop.com
This 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.
GEMS is also one of the key strategies adopted by the National Science Foundation (NSF) Noyce Scholarship Program at Bowie that offers a unique opportunity for Noyce Scholars to mentor students in hands-on learning, while gaining exposure to cutting-edge STEM research, and cultivate their passion for STEM jobs and careers. This is a platform to also inspire prospected Bowie students to consider STEM teaching through the Noyce grant. Bowie students and Scholars are fully trained and supported by the WRAIR staff and are required to develop a lesson plan before the program starts.
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, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of STEM education and professions.
During my visit today, I witnessed a lesson taught by GEMS mentors and a Noyce Scholar on using plastic parts and materials to build a weight-bearing item/bridge that can hold weights using the engineering design process principles. This hands-on activity brought STEM concepts to life for the participants and emphasized practical application, team work, and problem-solving skills.
The collaboration between Bowie State and the WRAIR leverages the expertise and resources of both institutions. Bowie State, with its strong academic programs in the sciences and teacher preparation, offers a solid foundation in STEM education. 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.
