STEM Camp 2012
Second Annual SDUSD JROTC STEM Camp
July 31, 2012 - Aug 4, 2012
Known particularly for their expertise in leadership and citizenship development, JROTC also knew that their Cadet Command military leaders had expressed a desire for a greater role in assisting educators and their meet for today's academic challenges. Through his Command's support at Fort Knox, Kentucky and Dr. Bruce Westermo, Assistant Dean in the College of Engineerin g at San Diego State University; LTC David Guzman, the District JROTC Program Manager initiated a request to conduct a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) camp for 50 JROTC cadets in the SDUSD.
The STEM Camp funding gave an opportunity for establishing a program which prepares students to be leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics - the so-called STEM disciplines. The STEM camp encouraged the development of problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and creative and innovative reasoning. Hands-on experiments included building remote control robotic devices, studying robotic programming, and learning the anatomy of the human heart. The camp also included learning how the circulatory system functions, making a heart pump, doing a laparoscopic surgery activity, creating a rocket-powered cars, attempting to fly an airplane through the use of flight simulators, exploring the use of solar panels and experimenting with hydrogen fuel cell cars.
Cadet Eligibility
- 3.25 GPA or higher
- B or higher in science and math
- Incoming Junior or Senior in SY '12-'13
- Enrolled in JROTC in SY '12-'13
- Must complete the entire week and stay at SDSU
Concept
- A one-week (5 days) residential experience for 50 cadets and 4 instructors on the SDSU campus.
- Cadets and cadre will:
- Live in college dormitories, conduct hands-on STEM projects, experiments and activities under the direction of university personnel.
- Visit STEM related work sites and the university's Engineering Laboratory and interact with STEM professors and college students pursuing STEM degrees.
- Participate in team building and self-awareness activities along with orientations from the university's Senior ROTC programs.
Purpose: Introduce selected JROTC cadets to STEM career opportunities, provide direct exposure to college atmosphere, STEM curriculum and STEM related work sites.
Desired Outcome
- Inspire cadets to strive for excellence in all STEM areas
- Increase awareness among cadets about STEM related career opportunities
- Inspire cadets to continue their education beyond high school
Support
- SDSU supports with all facilities, logistics, and instruction
- JROTC Cadet Command provides funding
- Collaboration between SDUSD JROTC, SDSU ROTC, & SDSU Department of Engineering