Cape Canaveral Section

Greetings Everyone.

I am a high school marine science and science research teacher at Edgewood JRSR HS on Merritt Island.  We have a very active science research program (working with student in developing science fair projects.  Last year we had over 130 student complete in our regional fair, 10 complete at the state level, and 1 is will be competing at the International level next week.  

Our three biggest challenges are finding mentors to work with and coach the students on their project, funding for supplies, equipment (or access to equipment).  I thought I would reach out and see if this group's members could help in any way.  

------------------------------
Ryan Cilsick
Edgewood JRSR HS
Merritt Island FL
(321)446-3400
------------------------------

Hello, Ryan! 

I am impressed by your research program! Which science fair do you compete at?  Our section provides a special award at each of the three science fairs in Brevard Co. so, I have had the opportunity to attend the science fairs. I am always really impressed by the students and their research projects.

I think we can recruit some members to mentor your students. I have found AIAA members are more than willing to share their talents. Can you develop a list of the types of expertise you are looking for?

We don't usually fund science fair projects but, you can apply for grants through the AIAA Classroom Grant Program (https://www.aiaa.org/get-involved/students-educators/aiaa-foundation-classroom-grant-program ). Another source of funding for Science Research Projects is the Society for Science. They have several different programs that might fund equipment and supplies. Here is a link https://www.societyforscience.org/outreach-and-equity/stem-research-grants/ to their research grant page.

Another option depends on the mentors we recruit. Some companies provide support to employees that mentor students. 

I am happy to work with you on this project. 

Regards,

Melissa

------------------------------
Melissa Sleeper
AIAA K-12 STEM Officer, Cape Canaveral Section
MAVEN Educator Ambassador
Solar System Ambassador
Storm Grove Middle School
Vero Beach, Florida
772-564-6349
------------------------------

Evening Ryan,

Melissa answered this far better than I ever could have, so just to add on:

AIAA offers up a mentor match program that you may want to leverage: https://engage.aiaa.org/get-involved/mentor-match/find-mentor

I will also reach out to see if we can get a report of local mentors to the Space Coast Area.

-Kevin

------------------------------
Kevin Johnson
Jacobs Technology Inc.
------------------------------