Photo By Staff Sgt. Janessa Dugan | Students sit and listen intently May 2 during a Science, Technology, Engineering,...... read more read more
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Marines participated in the annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics Week at Bechtel Elementary School May 2-6 aboard Camp McTureous.
The annual STEM Week provides students with opportunities to learn about the practical application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in careers and everyday life.
“The 21st century learning is all about using science, technology and math in the job force in and out of the classroom,” said Jessica Tirko, a 3rd grade teacher at Bechtel Elementary School. “We are developing a program that will generate an early career mindset and generate their interest in how they can apply these skills in their everyday lives.”
Marines with Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Headquarters and Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations Pacific-Marine Corps Base Camp Butler, Japan, set up equipment for a presentation in a parking area behind the school’s main building as the students filed out and sat in rows excitedly awaiting the presentation.
“The students are really enjoying interacting with the Marines and seeing the robots in action,” said Marie Roberts, a 3rd grade teacher and STEM Program co-chairman. “We have a robotics program here, a small one that we are looking to expand maybe next year and bring more kids in. We call on our military partnership because they can provide a great example of what’s out there for them in the future and what they can achieve.”
The Marines explained the career responsibilities of EOD technicians and demonstrated the use of EOD robots and how to wear protective equipment.
“Having Marines give these demonstrations brings the community together because kids are getting the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what their parents are doing at work,” said Tirko, a State College, Pennsylvania, native. “It inspires them. When I was little, if you asked me what my dad did at work every day, I couldn’t have told you. This definitely helps them see what their parents may be going through and, more importantly, what they can aspire to be in the future.”
The children cheered and clapped as EOD Marines maneuvered robots around the parking lot and using them to pick up objects and hand them to students.
After the demonstration, the students volunteered to don the explosive protection suits and perform physical exercises to experience the weight of the equipment.
“One of the most enjoyable parts of these events for the students is getting to interact with the Marines and see the robots in action,” said Roberts. “Today they get to see bigger robots that they wouldn’t ordinarily see or interact with. We call on our military partnership so we can let them gain new experiences and see what’s out there for them in the future.”
Once the students finished the practical application portion of the lesson, the EOD technicians led a question and answer session about their career path.
“Our goal is to help the students develop and maintain this mindset all year long,” said Roberts. “In the future we hope to have more STEM events throughout the year so we can continue to expose kids to the opportunities they have waiting for them in the future and strengthen the strong military partnership we have, which is especially important out here on Okinawa.”
| Date Taken: | 05.02.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2016 02:33 |
| Story ID: | 197113 |
| Location: | CAMP MCTUREOUS, OKINAWA, JP |
| Hometown: | ALBION, IL, US |
| Hometown: | CONCORDIA, MO, US |
| Hometown: | HEAVENER, OK, US |
| Hometown: | NORCROSS, GA, US |
| Hometown: | STATE COLLEGE, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 52 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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