Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) students in Chris Anderson’s class at Nampa High School got a hands-on lesson in applied science, thanks to a $2,000 grant from the Society for Science & the Public. Anderson was able to use the money to bring a group of students to Balboa Naval Hospital’s prosthetics lab in San Diego.
Anderson told a KIVI Channel 6 reporter that one group of students has been working on a device to prolong the battery life of an electric knee, and another group is looking for ways to use everyday electronics to create a concussion monitoring device. The trip exposed them to advanced research and mentoring opportunities.
The goal of the Society for Science & the Public grants is to provide resources for teachers and inspire more students to pursue science and engineering careers. So far, more than 100 science teachers have shared in $440,000 in awards.