News Summary
Students at Glenn Hill Middle School in Augusta, Georgia, participated in the annual Discover Engineering week from February 3-7, 2025. Led by SRNS engineers, over 1,400 students engaged in hands-on activities, including a DIY compass project that taught fundamentals of electromagnetism. This educational initiative aims to inspire young minds about engineering careers, emphasizing teamwork and perseverance, while also shedding light on local STEM opportunities and the significance of modern science education.
Excitement Builds as Glenn Hill Middle School Students Discover Engineering
In the vibrant city of Augusta, Georgia, students from Glenn Hill Middle School embarked on an engaging journey into the world of engineering. From February 3 to 7, 2025, they participated in a series of hands-on activities during the annual Discover Engineering week, a fantastic event coordinated by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) engineers. This year, the week was packed with educational fun, particularly with a DIY compass activity that highlighted the cool principles of electromagnetism.
Hands-On Learning with a Purpose
Across five thrilling days, over 1,400 middle school students from the Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) experienced first-hand what engineering is all about. With a team of 27 SRNS engineers leading a total of 56 interactive activities, students got the chance to dive deep into the realms of engineering while learning about the impact these professionals have in our communities.
The event, formerly known as Engineering Teach-Ins, provided a platform for engineers to share their knowledge and excitement about their careers. Since starting in 2008, the Discover Engineering program has touched the lives of more than 30,000 students, showcasing how engineering plays a significant role in shaping the world we live in.
Inspiring the Next Generation
As students engaged in the DIY compass activity led by electrical engineer Will Kellum from the Tritium Extraction Facility, they quickly learned about the importance of teamwork and perseverance, two crucial qualities in engineering. The young minds were captivated by the challenge of creating their very own compasses and discovering how they worked.
For sixth-grader Chance Ellison, the experience was nothing short of amazing. He was able to build a functioning compass, exploring how simple yet intricate engineering can be. Another participant, Aliyannah Rolle, shared that hearing about Kellum’s career journey sparked inspiration within her, igniting a passion for discovering the possibilities that an engineering career can offer.
Broadening Horizons
According to Tama Clarke, the science instructor at Glenn Hill, many students often miss out on discovering local career opportunities in STEM fields. As part of the Discover Engineering week, SRNS volunteers shed light on various essential topics including necessary engineering degrees, average salaries, recommended courses, and extracurricular activities that students can embrace to pave their paths into technical careers.
In light of this inspiring initiative, Augusta Preparatory Day School has stepped up by opening the W. Rodger Giles Institute for Inquiry, which is designed to prepare students for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. This modern facility cost a whopping $11.2 million and promises to spark ingenuity through various STEM programs. Here, students can get hands-on experience with robotics, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence, encouraging innovative learning experiences.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Giles Institute features dedicated STEM labs for lower school students, a virtual reality lab, and advanced biology, chemistry, and physics labs. This focus on modern science capabilities emphasizes the importance of preparing students for future careers in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As Discover Engineering week rolled through its sessions at Glenn Hill Middle School, it left students buzzing with enthusiasm, armed with knowledge and dreams fueled by possibilities in the fields of engineering and beyond. After all, with a little creativity and teamwork, who knows what these budding engineers may build in the future?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Graduation Ceremonies
- Wikipedia: Engineering
- The Augusta Press: New Degree Program
- Google Search: STEM education
- WJBF: New Science Building
- Google Scholar: STEM careers
- The Augusta Press: Congressman Visits School
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Engineering education
- WRDW: A.R. Johnson Donation
- Google News: Augusta education
