ARLINGTON, Va.—Young science enthusiasts from around the country—including future naval researchers and scientists—are gathering in the nation’s capital for a weekend of discovery at the USA Science & Engineering Festival on April 28-29.
The event brings a diverse student audience face-to-face with professional scientists from government, industry, academia and popular TV personalities to showcase the fun and excitement of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) is a festival partner and will have staff in Booth No. 3424 to speak to visitors about its various educational outreach programs. ONR’s exhibit will feature two of its hands-on, project-based STEM activities—SeaPerch and Physics of Sail—to engage potential future scientists.
“This festival allows ONR to directly connect with parents and their young people who are curious or already excited about certain aspects of science and engineering,” said Dr. Michael Kassner, ONR director of research. “These are the types of youth we want to interest in the many unique STEM-related naval careers, which rely heavily on imagining and developing new technologies, that can help Sailors and Marines carry out their missions.”
Visitors to ONR’s booth can operate the SeaPerch underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV), which is a national STEM education program. Each ROV is built from a kit of low-cost, widely available parts with a curriculum that exposes youngsters to basic engineering and science concepts. Students build the ROVs together, developing STEM knowledge and teamwork skills.
The Physics of Sail project allows attendees to construct their own boats from aluminum foil, Popsicle sticks and paper sails and then race them across a pool to test construction and design.
The event runs Saturday, April 28 from 10 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, April 29 from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. It features exhibits, stage shows and a book fair. The objective, organizers say, is to make the event the country’s most exciting, educational and entertaining science festival to inspire the interest of American youth in STEM.