REDSTONE ARESENAL, Ala. (Oct. 29, 2014) -- Excitement rang throughout the halls of McMorrow Laboratories in early October as 15 girls, from sixth- through eighth-grades, participated in a variety of hands-on experiments designed to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education.
The Aviation and Missile Research Development and Engineering Center hosted the three-day event in collaboration with Girls Inc. of Huntsville. The students learned investigative and problem-solving techniques to solve mathematical problems in the form of forensic science.
"The girls investigated the rate of flow concepts and formulas, used problem-solving techniques to understand mathematical triangulation methodology, and modified mathematical conditions using the incline plane to understand linear acceleration and to expand projectile motion and nonlinear equations," Kristin Johnson, Girls Inc. outreach manager, said. "The girls used measurement techniques and analyzed data in the mathematics of forensic science by applying knowledge from the Numb3rs television series to build appropriate data collection devices."
Donna Hannah, a fifth-grade teacher from Huntsville's Lakewood Elementary, served as teacher-facilitator for this event. She prepared for the forensics learning module while participating in STEM teacher training workshops sponsored by AMRDEC and the National Defense Education Program.
Gayla McMichael, AMRDEC education outreach and diversity office director, said this was the first year for the center to host the camp, which coincided with fall break for many North Alabama schools. In addition to the STEM module, the girls observed engineering firsthand while touring the Prototype Integration Facility and Multi Millimeter Wave Laboratory. They also engaged in team building exercises and higher order thinking skills activities.
"We know the importance of exposing our young ladies to any area of STEM at the earliest age possible," McMichael said. "We also realize and embrace the value and necessity of growing well-rounded leaders for tomorrow."
McMichael said that the three days went quickly, and that the students maintained high-energy, interest and excitement throughout. Based on the event's success, she said AMRDEC is planning to continue to offer this camp annually.
"Some of the girls expressed a desire to return and even begged to participate in such camps again in the future," she said.
AMRDEC education outreach office's mission is to inspire, develop and attract a future STEM talent pool with the competencies and skill sets essential to maintaining tomorrow's first-class AMRDEC workforce, while contributing to the future development of a diverse career talent.
According to the Girls Inc. of Huntsville's website, girlsinc-huntsville.com, the nonprofit, 501c3 corporation is an affiliate of the Girls Inc. National Organization. Their mission is "to inspire all girls to be strong, smart, and bold," and their vision is "to be recognized as North Alabama's leading advocate for helping girls to succeed in a competitive world."
Editor's note: For more information about this and other STEM opportunities at AMRDEC, see www.educationoutreachherald.com, call 876-2789 or email amrdec-outreach@amrdec.army.mil.
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The Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to develop technology and engineering solutions for America's Soldiers.
RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command. AMC is the Army's premier provider of materiel readiness -- technology, acquisition support, materiel development, logistics power projection, and sustainment -- to the total force, across the spectrum of joint military operations. If a Soldier shoots it, drives it, flies it, wears it, eats it or communicates with it, AMC provides it.
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