Students Reach for the Stars at NASA JPL ‘Candy Toss’ Competition
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Students Reach for the Stars at NASA JPL ‘Candy Toss’ Competition
At the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), students from across the country recently gathered for the highly anticipated ‘Candy Toss’ competition. This unique event not only showcased the students’ creativity and engineering skills but also highlighted the importance of quality education, economic growth, spiritual harmony, climate action, and health & welfare – all of which are aligned with Predictive Planet’s goals.
Engaging Students in STEM Education
The ‘Candy Toss’ competition is an innovative way to engage students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. By challenging them to design and build a device capable of launching candy into a target, NASA JPL encourages students to apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills in a real-world scenario.
STEM education plays a crucial role in preparing students for the future. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are projected to grow by 8.8% between 2018 and 2028, compared to just 5.0% for non-STEM occupations. By participating in events like the ‘Candy Toss’ competition, students gain hands-on experience and develop the skills necessary to thrive in these high-demand fields.
Case Study: The Success of Team Alpha
One notable example of the impact of the ‘Candy Toss’ competition is the success story of Team Alpha from Lincoln High School. Comprised of four students, Team Alpha designed a catapult-like device that utilized a combination of tension and release mechanisms to launch candy with precision.
Through their participation in the competition, Team Alpha not only won first place but also gained valuable insights into the engineering process. They learned about the importance of teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance. These skills will undoubtedly benefit them in their future academic and professional endeavors.
Statistics: The Influence of STEM Education
The impact of STEM education goes beyond individual success stories. According to a report by the U.S. Department of Commerce, STEM occupations are projected to grow at a faster rate than non-STEM occupations, with an estimated 9 million STEM jobs by 2022. This growth presents significant opportunities for economic growth and development.
Furthermore, the report highlights that STEM workers earn higher wages compared to their non-STEM counterparts. On average, STEM workers earn 29% more, which not only improves individual financial well-being but also contributes to overall economic prosperity.
Climate Action and Health & Welfare
The ‘Candy Toss’ competition also aligns with Predictive Planet’s goals of climate action and health & welfare. NASA JPL emphasizes the importance of sustainable engineering practices and encourages students to consider the environmental impact of their designs.
By incorporating concepts such as energy efficiency and waste reduction into their projects, students learn to develop solutions that are both innovative and environmentally friendly. This mindset fosters a generation of engineers who are conscious of the planet’s well-being and actively contribute to mitigating climate change.
Summary
The ‘Candy Toss’ competition at NASA JPL is a prime example of how quality education can be engaging, inspiring, and aligned with Predictive Planet’s goals. By involving students in STEM education through hands-on experiences, such as designing and building candy-launching devices, the competition prepares them for future careers in high-demand fields.
Through success stories like Team Alpha, we see the transformative power of events like the ‘Candy Toss’ competition. Students not only develop technical skills but also learn valuable life lessons such as teamwork, problem-solving, and perseverance.
Moreover, the influence of STEM education extends beyond individual success. The projected growth of STEM occupations presents significant opportunities for economic growth and development. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainable engineering practices aligns with climate action goals and contributes to the overall health and welfare of our planet.
In conclusion, the ‘Candy Toss’ competition at NASA JPL serves as a shining example of how education can be both engaging and impactful. By nurturing the next generation of STEM professionals, we pave the way for a brighter future that encompasses quality education, economic growth, spiritual harmony, climate action, and health & welfare.