The K-12 STEM Education and Outreach Team at the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) led several Science Bowl competitions in West Virginia and Pennsylvania and facilitated collaboration between organizations and community partners in February. Also during the month, several of the Lab’s science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) Ambassadors visited career fairs and other science-themed events to share information about a career in energy, encourage students to explore science learning and bridge the gap between students and researchers at NETL.

West Virginia Regional Science Bowl (Morgantown, West Virginia) – Twenty-four high school teams and 12 middle school teams participated in the West Virginia Regional Science Bowl, held Feb. 7-8 at the West Virginia University Mountainlair. The competition is a fast-paced, round robin-style academic bowl that tests middle and high school students’ knowledge in all aspects of science, including math, geology, chemistry, physics, environmental science and more. The K-12 STEM Education & Outreach Team provided support for the event, which included setting up equipment, registering teams and introducing guest speakers to students before the competition. Winners will go on to represent West Virginia in the National Science Bowl, to be held April 30-May 4 in Washington, D.C.

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Regional Science Bowl (Portland, Oregon) – STEM Ambassadors Peter Hsieh, a member of NETL’s Structural Materials Team, and Richard Chinn, a member of the Materials Characterization Team, served as officials at the BPA Regional Middle School Science Bowl Feb. 8 and 22. The two events for middle and high school students were held on the campus of the University of Portland in Portland, Oregon and hosted schools from both Oregon and Washington state. Winners will go on to compete in the National Science Bowl.

Engineering Girls in STEM Day (Morgantown, West Virginia) – The Society for Women Engineers at West Virginia University hosted Girls in STEM Day Feb. 15. At the event, students in Kindergarten through fifth grade had the opportunity to participate in activities surrounding science, technology and engineering under the theme “Sustainability/Green Living.” The K-12 STEM Education & Outreach Team helped support the Statler College Outreach Staff with event support and activity demonstrations.

Benton County High School Career Convention (Corvallis, Oregon) – Several STEM Ambassadors offered career advice and insight to students at the Benton County High School Career Convention, held Feb. 18 at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. The event provided students with the opportunity to meet state career requirements in a professional business setting and participate in mock interviews, attend presentations and receive information on several different career paths.

Remake Learning “Lunch and Learn” (Morgantown, West Virginia) – The K-12 STEM Education & Outreach Team hosted Remake Learning’s “lunch and learn” event with nonprofit, business, education and community partners at NETL-Morgantown Feb. 19. Attendees toured the Lab’s facilities, presented on K-12 outreach and internship opportunities and networked with each other over lunch. The team hosted the tour and facilitated a discussion around school, nonprofit and business partnerships in the area to help better serve West Virginia’s students. Remake Learning is a network that invites engaging learning practices in support of young people navigating rapid social and technological change in the greater Pittsburgh region.

Western Pennsylvania Regional Science Bowl (West Mifflin, Pennsylvania) – The team assisted the setup and execution of the Western Pennsylvania Regional Science Bowl, held Feb. 22 and 29 at the South Campus of the Community College of Allegheny County. Forty high school teams and 32 middle school teams participated, and winning teams will represent western Pennsylvania at the National Science Bowl.

Periwinkle Elementary Science Night (Albany, Oregon) – Several STEM Ambassadors helped elementary school students participate in hands-on science activities at Periwinkle Elementary Science Night, held Feb. 27. At the event, Ambassadors assisted with demonstrations geared toward heightening both students’ awareness and interest in science and mathematics.

NETL’s mission to provide technology solutions for today and options for tomorrow begins by inspiring the next generation of innovators through STEM outreach efforts. Learn more about opportunities and activities here.