NAVSEA, PSNS & IMF Facilitate STEM Rocket Launching

By Petty Officer 1st Class Cory Asato
Navy Public Affairs Support Element, Det. Northwest

SILVERDALE, Wash. – Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) coordinated a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach project with the Bangor School-Age Care Program, Aug. 12.

The project was directed at exposing and engaging children with the fields of STEM through a pneumatic rocket launching experiment where the children built their own rockets out of paper and tape before testing how far the rockets could fly.

“We have a NAVSEA Class Determination and Findings, as well as operating under a NAVSEA Enterprise Talent Management Strategy/Governance to encourage students to pursue science and

Corinne Beach, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) K-12 STEM Outreach Coordinator, explains why the pressure gauge must reach 40 psi before the child, enrolled in the Bangor School Age Care Program, can launch his pneumatic rocket during a STEM outreach project coordinated by Naval Sea Systems Command and PSNS & IMF. The Navy is actively seeking candidates well versed and qualified in STEM through programs such as the Navy Reserve Officers Training Corps, the Naval Academy, the Nuclear Propulsion Officer Candidate Program and the Civil Engineer Collegiate Program. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Cory Asato/Released)

engineering disciplines both in course work and careers,” said Corrine Beach, PSNS & IMF K-12 STEM Outreach Coordinator and NAVSEA Student Engagement and Outreach. “In general, I hope to inspire a love for STEM courses and projects and a “can do” attitude. Science, Technology, Engineering and yes, even Math can be fun if we allow it to be.”

The project was held over two days. Beach, along with Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) interns, spent the first day explaining STEM principles behind building and launching the rockets and building, while the second day was field testing the rockets through launch.

“This is a good opportunity for the kids to get hands on science application,” said Nathan Laurie, an intern with the Navy’s SSP. “It’s great to get them out of the classroom and experience science hands-on.”

This is the third STEM outreach project between the child-care site and NAVSEA according to staff.

“The STEM outreach projects have been an ongoing collaboration with Corinne since last summer,” said Kelly Scheese, a training specialist with the school care program.

Parents picking up their children were able to catch the tail end of the project.

“It’s pretty cool seeing my children challenged,” said Information Systems Technician (Submarines) 2nd Class David Scheese, a Portland, Oregon native stationed aboard USS Kentucky (SSBN 737). “I always support anything that stimulates their minds or teaches them how to do things.”

A group of children, caught in the moment, chanted one of their classmates on as he launched his rocket.

“My favorite part was launching the rockets,” said one of the children enrolled in the program. “I would like to do this again.”

The Navy projects more than 1,000,000 new jobs created through STEM by 2020, which, along with it’s mission, is why the Navy continues to actively pursue STEM engagement and outreach projects with children across the United States

For more information on Navy STEM in the classroom, visit: http://www.navystemfortheclassroom.com.