Army Education Outreach Program (AEOP)
GEMS/YES Program
DCTEE
1520 Freedman Drive, Suite 200
Fort Detrick, MD 21702
Phone: 301-619-9658
GEMS/YES Program
The Fort Detrick program, Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science — Young Engineers and Scientists (GEMS/YES) program prepares middle and high school students in the studies of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Its purpose:
- Provide opportunities for all students to increase their knowledge and skills in STEM.
- Provide an opportunity for middle school students to explore STEM careers and begin preparation for college study.
- Enhance community partnership agreements with schools, universities, and colleges in the United States.
- Recognize the business/Army connection importance to education and to the future economic well-being of the nation, as well as to the importance of the Army.
Each summer, students participate in week long internships at Hood College or at Washington County Technical High School. These young students work in state of the art science laboratories in small groups being led by Near-Peer Mentors. Near-Peer Mentors are high school and college level role models for the younger students encouraging pursuit of STEM courses and study.
GEMS/YES is proven! Middle school students leave the program with an increased interest and skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Environmental GEMS/YES
Description:
Student interns will learn about "green" initiatives to help improve the community. They will be encouraged to use innovative ideas as they explore the advantages of a "green" world. Experiments will consist of testing chemicals and other biological components and evaluation safety and health related risks. This program offers an excellent opportunity to introduce the scientific world to our students and develop an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics education.
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $20.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 5th graders attending may apply for the Environmental GEMS/YES program.
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
Beginning GEMS/YES
Description:
Student interns will solve a mystery about a simulated murder that took place at Baker Park. The scenario is presented to the students and an actual crime scene is set up for the students to investigate.
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $50.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 6th and 7th grade students
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
Intermediate GEMS/YES
Description:
Student interns will be exposed to several molecular biology techniques currently used in modern laboratories. Among the many activities, student will have the opportunity to manipulate the genetic component of a common bacteria, changing its appearance. In a later exercise, they will isolate the protein spectrum of this bacteria and analyze it looking for unique traits the resulted from genetic manipulation.
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $50.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 7th or 8th graders attending a middle school may apply for the Intermediate GEMS/YES program.
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
Advanced GEMS/YES
Description:
Student interns will build on their previous experience. New challenges in this section will take them to more complex exercises. Now they will be able to cut circular DNA elements called plasmid, measure their length in agarose gels and explore how these plasmids, once inside the bacteria, change the bacteria ability to thrive in a inhospitable environment. This section will also have very instructive anatomy exercises as well as important environmental lessons.
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $50.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 8th or 9th graders attending may apply for the Advanced GEMS/YES program.
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
Battlebots GEMS/YES
Description:
Build and drive LEGO remote controlled robots and learn about power transmission with combinations of motors, gears, and wheels. Build a "bot" and drive it through the dreaded GEMS/YES Obstacle Course to improve your driving skills. Partner with another student and play two-on-two "bot" hockey in our special arena. Learn about tournaments, matches, melees, arena design, the Robot Fighting League Rule Set, and put your "bot" in the arena to fight it out for the undisputed GEMS/YES Battlebot Championship!
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $50.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 6th or 7th graders attending a middle school may apply for the Battlebots GEMS/YES program.
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
Robotics GEMS/YES
Description:
Student interns will build and program functioning robots. Students will work in small teams with the Lego Dacta System to build computer controlled robots.
This internship is offered at no cost to the student. Student interns will receive a $50.00 stipend after completing all the requirements. The requirements are listed on the student application.
Dates:
Registration for the GEMS/YES program will open in February of 2012.
Who is eligible to apply?
Current 7th or 8th graders attending a middle school may apply for the Robotics GEMS/YES program.
Enrollment for the GEMS/YES program is limited. Students will be accepted into the program in the following order:
- Students of Active Duty Military or DoD Civilian employees assigned to Fort Detrick, and/or Hood College staff and faculty dependents.
- Students attending all other schools/programs.
