ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (June 5, 2015) -- The Aberdeen Test Center hosted a group of eighth grade Aberdeen Middle School students at its first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math outreach event, 'Operation STEM,' May 21 at the Automotive Technology Evaluation Facility at Aberdeen Proving Ground.
STEM outreach is a national focus and a Department of Defense priority. In support of this national effort, APG established the APG STEM and Education Outreach Center to bring tenant organizations together to pool resources to serve students in the local school systems.
"Sometimes, it can be hard for students to connect what they are learning in the classroom with how they would apply that knowledge in the real-world," said Col. Gordon Graham, ATC commander. "We hope this event, and others, sparks students' interests in pursuing careers in STEM fields."
The Aberdeen Middle School students are part of a mentorship program created by a team of engineers and analysts from the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity. The program was designed for students who show an interest and an aptitude in math and science, explained Alicia Thomas, ATC executive officer to the commander and outreach coordinator.
In this program, middle school students are encouraged to take the more challenging science and math classes. Students and mentors meet once a month for enrichment activities and field trips to encourage their curiosity and increase their skills in different areas of math and science, Thomas explained.
The students and their mentors from AMSAA were invited to spend the day engaged in several activities demonstrating the relationship between their math and science coursework and how ATC uses those fundamental skills to benefit the Soldier.
Frank Crisafulli Jr., technical assistant to the ATC commander and STEM coordinator, presented students an ATC mission overview explaining the role ATC plays in testing Soldiers' equipment so it is safe and effective.
Students participated in six interactive stations where they were given an opportunity to engage in hands-on demonstrations representative of the daily test activities ATC's scientists and engineers conduct to support the Soldier.
Stations included trying on Soldier body armor to determine the effects of weight on performance; an interactive driving game that simulates operating a military vehicle on actual ATC test courses; and a high speed video demonstration smashing fruit as an example of how high speed test events are captured. A Stryker static vehicle was also displayed, at which students were briefed about the applicability of systems engineering.
In addition, students participated in a 'Wack-a-Dummy' demonstration which replicates the impact of sudden force on Soldiers. The station is set up with sensors that help identify potential injuries. Students learned how to identify imperfections in military system components without destroying an item as part of the non-destructive testing demonstration.
"My hope is students will realize what they're learning in school is applicable to real life," said Thomas. Thomas said she wants the students to understand they can use what they learn in their science and math classes to enter career fields that will benefit the Army and the Department of Defense in the future.
Crisafulli explained the STEM outreach team coined the phrase, 'Operation STEM' to incorporate the military aspect into the event in a fun and engaging way. ATC Soldiers were available onsite to provide answers to any questions the students may have about the activities.
"Every single activity you see here has to do with the Warfighter," said Crisafulli. He went on to say the Soldiers onsite were able to provide the students with feedback on the stations from an end-user's perspective.
One Aberdeen Middle School student, Blair Cantler, shared her thoughts on the activities that day.
"So far, I've learned the equipment at Aberdeen Test Center is very well tested, and that it's all very safe," said Cantler.
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