UTPB students guided local middle schoolers through a hands-on STEM program, helping them design innovative lunar habitats and sparking curiosity in science, technology, engineering, and space exploration.
Students at The University of Texas Permian Basin are helping inspire the next generation of STEM talent through an after-school program at four middle schools in Odessa and Midland.
Created in partnership with the WEX Foundation and NASA, the project challenges students to design a self-sustaining habitat they could one day build on the moon. UTPB student and project mentor Brett Jacobsen says the goal is to spark interest in space and STEM careers.
“To get them excited about researching STEM projects, what better way than to involve them in NASA projects” Jacobsen said.
The winning lunar habitat designs were announced in early December, with Nimitz Middle School teams taking the top two spots. Jacobsen says these teams earned the recognition.
“They surprise me with how creative they are in designing their habitats,” Jacobsen said. “I know these students have great minds and are going to go far.”
Jacobsen hopes projects like this will inspire more local students to dream big and see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and explorers.
The program also left a lasting impression on Jacobsen, who thoroughly enjoyed mentoring the students.
“Being there to teach these kids and get them excited about STEM is what it’s all about,” he said. “Teaching is a passion of mine, and connecting with these students has been an awesome experience.”
Created in partnership with the WEX Foundation and NASA, the project challenges students to design a self-sustaining habitat they could one day build on the moon. UTPB student and project mentor Brett Jacobsen says the goal is to spark interest in space and STEM careers.
“To get them excited about researching STEM projects, what better way than to involve them in NASA projects” Jacobsen said.
The winning lunar habitat designs were announced in early December, with Nimitz Middle School teams taking the top two spots. Jacobsen says these teams earned the recognition. “They surprise me with how creative they are in designing their habitats,” Jacobsen said. “I know these students have great minds and are going to go far.”
Jacobsen hopes projects like this will inspire more local students to dream big and see themselves as future scientists, engineers, and explorers.
The program also left a lasting impression on Jacobsen, who thoroughly enjoyed mentoring the students.
“Being there to teach these kids and get them excited about STEM is what it’s all about,” he said. “Teaching is a passion of mine, and connecting with these students has been an awesome experience.”
