Outreach and Mentorship are very important parts of SPAWAR System Center Pacific’s (SSC Pacific) goal. In order to keep SPAWAR a leader in technology and innovation, it is vital for them to invest their time, efforts, and money into programs that promote engineering, math, and science. This is done so that the next generation of scientists and engineers are informed, inspired, and prepared to take on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) careers.

During my time as an intern for the Outreach Department, I had the opportunity to organize events that reach out to minorities, middle and high school students, as well as students from under privileged areas.

SPAWAR makes a commendable effort to involve and engage young students toward pursuing a math and science related field. Through this experience I was able to see hands on how projects are made, improved, and ultimately passed on.

For poster-printing and laminating charges contact MIU.

Educational Outreach ProgramPromoting Math, Science, and Engineering

DUE# 0653277

Evita Valdivieso | Mechanical Engineering

San Diego State University | evitanvc@yahoo.com

As a Mechanical Engineering student I was able to conduct science experiments of my own. Through these experiments I was able to apply what I have learned in my major classes, and recognize experimental patterns. Being able to recognize the reactions that occurred in these experiments gave me a sense of confidence knowing that these reactions were predicted and controlled. Also, being able to participate in the outreach program at SPAWAR allowed me to communicate my knowledge, organize events, and ultimately make a difference in the lives of many students. Encouraging students to pursue STEM careers is something I thoroughly enjoyed doing. Watching the kids get excited and involved proved that the Outreach Department works very hard in integrating programs like this at SPAWAR, as well as proved that kids are now highly considering pursuing an engineering or math based career.

I would like to thank the National Science Foundation, Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement (MESA) programs, mentors, supervisors and SPAWAR Systems Center Pacific for allowing me the opportunity to intern at the Outreach Department and providing the means for my internship. I would like to also thank the outreach director and assistant, Dr. James Rohr, Veronica Lopez, and the MEP Summer Team Internship Coordinator at San Diego State University Eric Pamintuan.

Teammates showing support at SSC Pacific’s Seaperch Competition.

Conducting an underwater reflection experiment at SSC Pacific. From left to right: Evita Valdivieso, James Rohr.

Seaperch in action during SSC Pacific’s Seaperch Competition 2012

Introduction

Built robotic Seaperches as part of learning how to teach students to build them. This task included soldering wires, forming remote control boxes, as well as waterproofing motors.

Conducted experiments that analyzed the bouncing of balls. These balls were made of different materials, including brass, silver, steel, and plastic. Each produced a different result observed in the form of sound waves. This analysis was possible using the software Audacity.

Analyzed the ability of dolphins as well as other underwater sea creatures’ ability to see their reflection by building an underwater model using a camera and floatation devices.

These experiments and projects were done in order to help during outreach events.

Tasks

SPAWAR annually hosts about 100 high school students for two sessions of 4 weeks. These students are invited from the San Diego and Los Angeles areas. These students stay for a month’s duration and participate in projects and experiments. This exposure to engineering is meant to spark their interest as well as show them the benefits of being part of the SPAWAR team.

USD NJROTC Event was held on Monday July 16th. This event took place at USD where high school students who are part of the New Junior ROTC program in Florida were able to visit San Diego and attend a speech hosted by Dr. Rohr. At this event students were able to listen to retired Navy Officers and learn about their experience during the Navy as well as talked

Noche de Ciencia e Ingenieria is another event SPAWAR will be holding this summer. This will be a presentation inviting guest speakers from STEM professions to talk about their experiences as a minorities pursuing degrees like these. This event will be held August 23rd at Southwest Middle School. Meant to target the Hispanic community, this presentation will be entirely in Spanish. The purpose is to get the community and their children involved and excited about STEM careers.

Outreach Events - Methods Conclusion

Acknowledgements

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Results

The SPAWAR Outreach Department is highly involved in outreach activities and the attendees show extensive gratitude. At the University of San Diego they held a Junior ROTC Event. The feedback was phenomenal. The military officers expressed their gratitude to Dr. Rohr, Veronica, and me. Those from the ROTC Program sent emails thanking us for the event and said they thoroughly enjoyed the presentations as well as being able to work hands on with scientific experiments. We also received many thanks from those who attended the Seaperch Competition held on July 20, 2012. Among those who attended were middle school, high school, as well as children from different military academies here in San Diego. They were enthusiastic and have already planned to attend next year. At the Cultural Diversity Event held at SPAWARs headquarters we had several people come up to our booth and asked if we could do these demonstrations at different events, separate from SPAWAR. People get excited when they see that math and science can be fun and look forward to Dr. Rohr’s presentations. They demand more of these demonstrations to promote engineering, math and science.

At the Triage table during the Seaperch Competition. Evita Valdivieso, and Veronica Lopez.