PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J. - From building bridges to flying planes to solving crimes and so much more, how do careers focused on science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) make our world a better place?
Alexander Smith, a mechanical engineer with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Armaments Center at Picatinny Arsenal, spoke to more than 100 students at a Career Carnival for Kids on Sep. 13. The event at the Chatham Library allowed for elementary and middle school students to participate in hands-on activities, demonstrations, and games while meeting with professionals from a variety of STEAM industries.
The Armaments Center is one of the Army’s premier research and development facilities, employing thousands of workers in technical fields.
Smith explained some of the job opportunities available at the Armaments Center and what engineers and scientists do in support of the U.S. Army. At Picatinny, scientists and engineers are using additive manufacturing and 3D printing to print electronics and develop and produce critical parts for Soldiers.
“I hope they see what engineering means,” Smith said. “I hope the students come away from the presentation with a good understanding of what the engineering discipline entails and the role this vital field plays in supporting the Army and our Warfighters.”
The STEM program supports public and private schools, colleges and universities with no-cost assistance, professional development training, new instructional equipment, and monetary and advisory support to student robotics teams.
“It’s very enjoyable to engage with curious young minds and impart interest in a very challenging but rewarding career field, hopefully spurring on the next generation of Picatinny engineers,” Smith said.
The STEM program also offers engineer mentors, sponsorship of student competitions, and opportunities to visit scientists and engineers in their laboratories, where students get a first-hand look at how professionals rise to meet STEM challenges.
This STEM education outreach is custom tailored to meet the specific needs of individual schools. It has already positively impacted tens of thousands of students and hundreds of teachers in New Jersey with knowledge of cutting-edge technologies and the inevitable changes they will bring to education, employment, and daily life in the 21st Century.
Social Sharing