Inspiring Science and STEM Connections Through Collaborative Learning

Dr. John Lohr introduces the STEM session, sharing his journey with Science Olympiad and its impact on underrepresented communities. Kayla DeCudo from NOAA highlights their partnership with Science Olympiad, emphasizing career opportunities in meteorology. Susanna Burrows, a former Science Olympiad competitor, discusses her career in climate science and the importance of collaboration. The session concludes with a call to explore lesson plans and participate in the STEM Showdown.

What led Dr. John Lohr to become involved with Science Olympiad?

• A planned meeting with the founders

• A recommendation from a colleague

• A personal interest in STEM education

• An accidental encounter at a conference

How did Science Olympiad impact the student at the first tournament?

• She realized other students shared her love for science

• She became a mentor for younger students

• She decided to pursue a career in engineering

• She won a scholarship to a science camp

What role does NOAA play in Science Olympiad?

• They host the national competition

• They provide financial support only

• They volunteer and create resources for competitions

• They offer internships to participants

Which career is NOT mentioned as a possibility for those interested in meteorology?

• Hydrologist

• Pilot

• Data visualization expert

• Marine biologist

What event did Susanna Burrows win a national medal in during her time in Science Olympiad?

• Weather Event

• Dynamic Planet

• Experimental Design

• Bioprocess Lab

What did Susanna Burrows study alongside physics in her undergraduate degree?

• German studies

• Mathematics

• Chemistry

• Environmental science

What is a key aspect of working at a national laboratory according to Susanna Burrows?

• Collaborating with other scientists

• Working in isolation

• Specializing in one narrow field

• Focusing solely on theoretical research

What project does Susanna Burrows lead related to climate science?

• Mapping global weather patterns

• Simulating interactions between atmospheric carbon dioxide and climate

• Developing renewable energy sources

• Studying ocean currents

What does Susanna Burrows emphasize about the nature of scientific work?

• It is limited to laboratory settings

• It involves collaboration and diverse interests

• It is only for those with a single interest

• It requires working alone

What is the purpose of the STEM Showdown mentioned in the conclusion?

• To recruit students for NOAA internships

• To test students' knowledge against peers nationwide

• To provide scholarships to winners

• To offer a platform for students to present research