On Saturday, June 1, 2024, the Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics (STEM) Community Day hosted by Christopher Newport University in partnership with Newport News Public Schools in Virginia attracted thousands of community members. The event showcased the various facets of STEM fields and careers through nearly 100 exhibitors who provided hands-on experiences for attendees of all ages.
One of the highlights of the event was the participation of educators from the National Institute of Aerospace’s Center for Integrated STEM Education (NIA-CISE). They engaged learners with a 13-foot tree, teaching them how to measure tree height using a clinometer. Participants also learned about the importance of collecting data on tree height for NASA’s research, with the assistance of volunteers known as “citizen scientists”. This data helps calculate the amount of carbon trees and forests absorb or release into the atmosphere. Families were even able to take home kits to make their own clinometers.
Another activity offered by the NIA-CISE team focused on Earth’s energy balance. Participants selected cards of activities that either reflect energy back to space or are absorbed by Earth, and had to determine whether they belonged to the “in” or “out” side of Earth’s energy balance. This interactive activity provided a fun and engaging way for attendees to learn about this important concept in environmental science.
