{"id":208731,"date":"2025-05-01T08:54:07","date_gmt":"2025-04-30T22:54:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?p=858038"},"modified":"2025-05-01T08:54:07","modified_gmt":"2025-04-30T22:54:07","slug":"nasa-stem-programs-ignite-curiosity-beyond-the-classroom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=208731","title":{"rendered":"NASA STEM Programs Ignite Curiosity Beyond the Classroom"},"content":{"rendered":"
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3 min read<\/p>\n

Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater)<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Gary Laier, center liaison for the Small Business Innovation Research\/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR\/STTR) program at NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, teaches students about aeronautics during Aero Fair at Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, on April 9, 2025.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Genaro Vavuris<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

When curiosity takes flight, learning knows no bounds. The impact of supporting STEM education extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the future of innovation and exploration. NASA Engages is the agency\u2019s outreach website that connects NASA experts and resources with communities, educators, and students across the country. Led by NASA\u2019s Office of STEM Engagement, the platform fosters collaboration between educators, organizations, and NASA employees to inspire the next generation.<\/p>\n

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Giovanna Camacho, Pathways systems engineering intern from NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, teaches students about aeronautics during Aero Fair at Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, on April 9, 2025.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Genaro Vavuris<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Bringing NASA to the Classroom<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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NASA employees dedicate their time and expertise through NASA Engages<\/a>, whether they\u2019re passionate about robotics, flight research, or inspiring young minds to pursue STEM careers. One example of this is Aero Fair<\/a>, a STEM program led by the California Office of STEM Engagement at NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California. This initiative brings aeronautics directly to students, with NASA Armstrong professionals visiting classrooms \u2013 both in person and virtually \u2013 to engage students during three-day experiences that allow them to learn about aeronautics, meet NASA professionals, and explore potential career paths they might not have previously considered.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen volunteers step up to help inspire and facilitate learning in the classroom, they are benefiting not only the students they interact with, but our future generation as well,\u201d says Giovanna Camacho, Pathways systems engineering intern at NASA Armstrong, who volunteered at the event.<\/p>\n

Chloe Day, a student at Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, said Aero Fair inspired her to consider a STEM career. \u201cWhen NASA employees were talking about what they do and how they help our world today, it made me feel like I want to do it too.\u201d<\/p>\n

Educators can request an Aero Fair experience through NASA\u2019s STEM Gateway<\/a>. These programs \u201cgive students a chance to see themselves as real problem-solvers and innovators,\u201d said Shauna Tinich, a Tropico Middle School teacher. \u201cThe most beneficial part of Aero Fair is the real-world connection to STEM. The connection to NASA makes it real and exciting for the students.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Students from Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, build their own paper planes as part of a project during NASA Aero Fair on April 9, 2025.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Genaro Vavuris<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

A Program for Impact<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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The NASA Engages website matches outreach opportunities to employee skills and interests, while educators and community organizations can use the website to request public speakers, classroom visits, and educational support at events.<\/p>\n

For many volunteers, the experience is just as inspiring as it is for the students. \u201cEvery time I volunteer, I walk out inspired,\u201d Camacho said. \u201cIt motivates me to continue my pursuit of making a difference.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gary Laier, center liaison for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs at NASA Armstrong, and Aero Fair volunteer, agreed: \u201cIt\u2019s a rewarding experience for students, teachers, and NASA volunteers alike. I enjoy the opportunity to inspire youth and get them excited about their futures.\u201d<\/p>\n

By participating in outreach activities like Aero Fair, career panels, or events, NASA employees not only help ignite curiosity and provide knowledge to students and the community but also strengthen NASA\u2019s connection to the communities it serves.<\/p>\n

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Gary Laier, center liaison for the Small Business Innovation Research\/Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR\/STTR) program at NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, teaches students about aeronautics during Aero Fair at Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, on April 9, 2025.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Genaro Vavuris<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Explore NASA STEM Opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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Educators, organizations, and community groups can connect with NASA in two ways. Through NASA Engages, external groups can request NASA support for their own events \u2013 such as inviting a NASA speaker or arranging classroom visits and providing outreach materials. Meanwhile, NASA STEM Gateway provides opportunities for individuals to participate in NASA-developed STEM events, internships, and programs like Aero Fair. To request NASA participation in an event or to learn more about NASA STEM opportunities, visit https:\/\/stemgateway.nasa.gov\/nasaengages\/s\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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Giovanna Camacho, Pathways systems engineering intern at NASA\u2019s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, teaches students about aeronautics during Aero Fair at Tropico Middle School in Rosamond, California, on April 9, 2025.<\/div>\n
NASA\/Genaro Vavuris<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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