October 16, 2025

The X-STEM Fellowship is a regional program that empowers 7th-12th grade educators to bring career-connected STEM learning into their classrooms. Through lessons and activities, Fellows help introduce students to career pathways in their own communities and beyond. Fellows and their students also participate in hands-on workshop events that bring these classroom lessons to life!

On September 23, at the San Diego Convention Center, students experienced the power of hands-on STEM learning through dynamic workshops led by NASSCO, General Atomics, NIWC, NAVAIR, the SDSU College of Engineering, and the Marine Corps Tactical Systems Support Activity. Through immersive activities, students gained real-world insight into the cutting-edge innovation driving our nation’s defense and manufacturing industries. From exploring the science of shipbuilding to experimenting with sound waves and additive manufacturing, students experienced firsthand how STEM comes alive when learning is hands-on.

We were honored to host the largest single-day STEM event ever on the Hawaiian Islands with 478 students attending on October 2 at the Neal S. Blaisdell Center on O‘ahu. Students had the opportunity to dive into interactive workshops led by Pacific Shipyards International & PacMar Technologies, the University of Hawai‘i College of Engineering, Project MFG, Hardware Science, the Hawai‘i Institute of Marine Biology & Pacific Technology Cooperation Group, and Honolulu Community College. From hands-on activities in engineering design, shipbuilding, and additive manufacturing to demonstrations in welding and other high-demand STEM fields, students gained a firsthand look at the skills driving Hawai‘i’s local workforce. The day showcased the incredible impact of experiential learning—and reminded us all that STEM inspiration begins the moment students roll up their sleeves and get involved.

Celebrate Nuclear Science Week by exploring the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History’s classroom resources. These tools help educators bring nuclear science and history to life in the classroom through hands-on and digital activities. Check out the free resources available here!

Dr. Ciara Sivels is a nuclear engineer at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab who studies the properties of atoms to solve complex problems. Watch the episode and explore free resources and the lesson plan here. Check out the lesson plan in PocketLab for free!

NEW EPISODE COMING SOON! Hear from Mr. John Ornellas, the Nuclear Engineering and Planning Manager for Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard - Hawai‘i’s largest employer, with highly skilled personnel who service the Navy’s Pacific Fleet of nuclear-powered submarines and conventionally powered surface ships. You may be surprised to learn just how much the work happening in the Hawaiian Islands impacts us here on the mainland. Sign up to watch!