Hosting Organization: Solar System Ambassador
County: Atlantic
March is New Jersey STEM Month—a time to spotlight the incredible opportunities engaging students, families, and communities across the state in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This year’s celebrations brought hands-on learning to life, inspiring curiosity and creativity through a series of dynamic events designed to connect real-world challenges with classroom learning.
The month launched with an exciting Science Saturday: Mission Orion event at a local library, where students ages 7 and up “blasted off” into a hands-on STEM adventure. Participants stepped into the role of aerospace engineers, designing, building, and testing their own Orion spacecraft models inspired by NASA’s Orion spacecraft. Through this interactive experience, students explored concepts like stability, re-entry, and engineering design, all while problem-solving and collaborating.The energy in the room was electric as young learners saw their designs come to life.
Another highlight of the month was the New Jersey KidWind Challenge, part of the broader KidWind Project. Middle and high school students competed in a fun; hands-on event focused on wind energy and engineering. Teams designed and tested their own
small-scale wind turbines, applying real-world STEM concepts such as energy transfer, blade design, and efficiency. Beyond the competition, the event fostered teamwork, resilience, and innovation in a supportive and engaging environment – skills critical for
the future workforce.
At a local elementary school, STEAM Night welcomed students and families for an evening of discovery. Participants explored space, learning about comets and then created their own “Comet on a Stick,” blending creativity with scientific understanding.
This interactive activity helped demystify complex astronomical concepts, making them accessible and fun for learners of all ages while encouraging family engagement in STEM education.
The excitement continued at a Local STEM Expo, where youth and parents explored the wonders of astronomy firsthand. Using telescopes, attendees were able to look through various telescopes and engaged in a hands-on “Exploring Light” activity. By
experimenting with filters, participants discovered how scientists gather information about stars and galaxies—an introduction to the powerful tools used in the field of Astronomy. Experiences like these help spark a sense of wonder and expand
awareness of STEM pathways.
Finally, students took on the Rover Observation And Discoveries in Space (R.O.A.D.S.) Challenge, simulating a NASA mission to Venus – ROADS Earth to Venus. This immersive experience combined engineering, planetary science, and teamwork as participants worked through mission objectives, mirroring real-world challenges faced in NASA exploration. Students applied critical thinking and problem- solving skills while gaining insight into the complexities of space missions.
From designing spacecraft to harnessing wind energy and exploring the cosmos, New Jersey STEM Month showcased the power of experiential learning. These initiatives not only build technical skills but also ignite passion, curiosity, and confidence in the next generation of innovators. As momentum continues beyond March, these experiences remind us that STEM education is not just about learning – it’s about discovering possibilities and shaping the future.