Arnn students learn about STEM

By Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsMarch 31, 2015

Arnn students learn about STEM
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Arnn students learn about STEM
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Arnn students learn about STEM
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Arnn students learn about STEM
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Arnn students learn about STEM
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CAMP ZAMA, Japan (April 1, 2015) -- "Science, Technology, Engineering and Math can be really fun," stated Madelyn Curriera, a 5th-grader from Arnn Elementary School, during the "STEMposium" event held March 26 at the school, on the Sagamihara Family Housing Area installation.

STEMposium brought Soldiers, Civilians and other employees throughout the Camp Zama community to Arnn Elementary to provide the students with an opportunity to see, try and learn how science, technology, engineering and math intertwine with the day-to-day work conducted throughout U.S. Army Garrison Japan.

Several of USAG Japan employees presented their specialty to the students through demonstration and hands-on experiences.

The students witnessed space science demonstrations given by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, before playing Jeopardy based on space science and astrology facts.

Madelyn said the Jeopardy game was her favorite event.

Luke Westoff, a 6th-grader, said he learned a lot about DNA during one STEMposium session.

"My favorite part was extracting DNA from my saliva," said Luke.

The SFHA Fire Station brought their trucks and allowed the students the opportunity to use the high-powered water hose.

Students also learned proper hand washing procedures from the Public Health Command District-Japan.

Wendy Skul, health educator for the Camp Zama Army Wellness Center, explained how her demonstration was divided into three parts; Nutrition, Bio-feedback and Yoga exercises to teach the students how nutrition, breathing control and exercise can help their body.

Skul said she wanted the students to learn about living a healthy lifestyle by making good choices.

Capt. Bonnie Parks, assigned to PHCD-Japan, demonstrated devices used for surveillance of contaminants in a working environment.

Parks said she wanted the students to learn that "there is technology out there that does relate to keeping them healthy in any environment that they may find themselves."

"Our job for the Army is to ensure a safe and healthy work environment," said Parks.

Staff Sgt. Brian Malbrough, assigned to 901st Military Police Detachment, demonstrated how Soldiers train military working dogs.

Malbrough said he thinks the STEMposium allows the kids to see different aspect of jobs and things they can do when they get older.

Tatum Clark, a 6th-grader, said her favorite part of the day was learning about military working dogs.

"I love seeing how the dogs interact with their trainers and other people around the base," said Tatum.

"For us it's not about fun and games. We play with dogs all day long, but it's our job," said Malbrough.

Andrew Jordan, civil engineer for the Japan Engineering District, demonstrated construction engineering by using a variety of miniature heavy machinery to build bridges.

Jordan said as an engineer, STEM is very important to his organization and the Corps of Engineers uses all the vectors of STEM.

Jordan also presented students with several displays that related to aspects of math and science along with the construction engineering display.

Jordan commented that the STEMposium allows someone like him to teach the next generation.

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