Natick has summer fun for kids down to a science

By Jane Benson/NSRDEC Public AffairsAugust 12, 2015

Natick GEMS Program
Students participating in the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine's Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science, or GEMS, program witness a chemical reaction resulting in molten iron. The Natick Soldier Research, Development ... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

NATICK, Mass. -- For the fifth summer in a row, the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine -- with support from the Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center -- is hosting its Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science Program, or GEMS. The program is held at the Natick Soldier Systems Center.

The GEMS program originated at Walter Reed in 2005 and has since been adopted by many other Army research installations. Through GEMS, USARIEM provides middle and high school students the opportunity to participate in age-appropriate, hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, or STEM. Advanced high school as well as college students serve as near-peer mentors who lead the programs and serve as role models for students.

This summer, USARIEM is hosting three GEMS sessions, giving students the chance to experience STEM in an interactive and meaningful way. Some of the experiences range from building a robot from toothbrushes to creating a chemical reaction resulting in molten iron.

"The GEMS staff and I are excited about science and are excited about engaging the minds of young scientists by applying complicated concepts in a particular way so that middle school students experience that 'lightbulb' moment," said Spc. Sonya Edler, a medical laboratory technician at USARIEM and the program director for this year's GEMS program.

Edler said she believes that the Natick Soldier Systems Center provides students with unique learning opportunities and is impressed with the dedication of both the students and staff.

"This summer we had 193 student interns (participants) and a total of 18 staff members who truly deserve the credit for the success of the program," said Edler. "The resource teacher, near-peer and assistant mentors are an honor to work with. Also, Kelly Field, our Public Affairs officer, and Joanna Graham, our NSRDEC (point of contact), have played critical roles in helping this program run seamlessly. The new (lead) officer in charge is Maj. Joseph Kardouni, who has truly immersed himself into the program and provides a huge military relevance to GEMS."

"It is a unique program that combines building up leadership skills and teaching science with young adults, as well as a broad introduction to STEM -- especially the application of science and engineering to students in a variety of exciting ways," said Dan Eggers, the program/resource teacher for the GEMS program at USARIEM and a local high school teacher.

"The program gives kids a leg up when they return to their classroom, because they have already been exposed to complex topics," said Lauren Francis, a student mentor for the program.

Jake Heinlein, along with Andrea McDonagh, is one of the head near-peer mentors. In his role, he designs and leads fun experiments with the students and helps other student mentors.

"What I find the most rewarding is seeing the students come back each year and seeing how they've grown and how their love for science has grown," said Heinlein.

"The students and their parents always make the effort to thank our team for how awesome the program is and the fact that they leave here wanting more," said Edler.

"I love GEMS," said Sabrina, a student who was involved in the third GEMS session. "It's such a fun experience. GEMS really makes learning exciting."

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The U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, which has the mission to ensure decisive overmatch for unified land operations to empower the Army, the joint warfighter and our nation. RDECOM is a major subordinate command of the U.S. Army Materiel Command.

Related Links:

Army Technology Live

U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research, Development and Engineering Center

U.S. Army Materiel Command

Army.mil: Science and Technology News

U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command

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