At the ANSEP Middle School Academy, students are given the opportunity to explore their passion for STEM and work alongside experienced educators and professionals. ANSEP’s Middle School Academy aims to inspire students in grades 6-8 to pursue careers in STEM by offering hands-on experiences, interactive learning, and a supportive community.
This month, ANSEP’s Middle School Academy welcomed the Mat-Su Borough School District and Northwest Arctic Borough School District students to UAA campus. These students had the chance to work alongside ANSEP staff, mentors, and partners to learn about marine science, earthquake engineering, computer programming, and more. We even had a staff member from AISES (American Indian Science and Engineering Society) come visit and build Sphero SPRK+ robots, a programmable robot ball, with the students!
During the marine science portion of the program, students learned about the importance of marine ecosystems, the effects of pollution, and the impact of climate change. They also had the opportunity to conduct experiments, dissect a squid and analyze data with the Sealife Center.
In addition to the marine science component, students worked with Stacy Ledford from AISES to build spherical robots. Through this project, they gained experience with programming, engineering, and problem-solving. The robots were designed to navigate various terrains and obstacles, challenging students to apply their knowledge in new and creative ways.
Another highlight of the ANSEP Middle School Academy is the computer-building project. Students learned the ins and outs of computer hardware and software, building their own from scratch. The project taught them about system architecture, computer maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Overall, the ANSEP Middle School Academy provides an immersive and engaging experience for students interested in STEM. By collaborating with experienced educators and industry professionals, students gain a deep understanding of STEM fields and develop the skills necessary to pursue their passions!
