U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Legacy Management (LM) Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP) Site Manager Darina Castillo represented STEM with LM at a pre-kindergarten community helper session at a Denver Metro Area school on April 6.
The students participated in a discussion about LM’s mission and how LM engineers and scientists help solve problems using science, math, and technology to protect human health and the environment.
Coloring pages and information provided to the students and teachers at a STEM outreach event.
Students participating in a STEM with LM coloring activity.
In addition to the discussion on LM and its mission, students engaged in a hands-on activity that included coloring pages related to Earth Day provided by the STEM with LM Program. Teachers were also provided activities included coloring pages of women of the Manhattan Project, women in STEM, water or hydrologic cycle, and critters that live in mud and soils.
Students also learned about things that harm the Earth and what people can do to help make a difference for the future of the planet, such as recycling or using renewable energy sources such as wind or solar.
“The students recently learned about the solar system and the planets, so they were very engaged with the discussion of engineers and scientists protecting the Earth,” Castillo said.
In addition to the STEM with LM activities, teachers received brochures on LM’s Manhattan Project National Historic Park.
“LM’s presence in communities across the country provides an opportunity for Stem with LM to not only showcase LM’s mission but also the mission of the Department of Energy to students,” Castillo added.
The STEM with LM Program was established in 2020 and provides educational tools, resources, and activities for students of all ages and their teachers. STEM with LM also connects students to internship information and opportunities for STEM students and professionals.
“STEM with LM’s main mission is to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals,” said LM Public Participation Specialist Shawn Montgomery. “It’s important that LM staff stay involved in their communities and spread LM’s number one goal, which is to protect human health and the environment.
“Now that all our interpretive centers are open in Colorado, Missouri, and Ohio, I’m excited for LM to continue to do more of these types of outreach programs and really make an impact on future STEM professionals,” he said.
For more information, visit the STEM with LM website and plan a visit to any of LM’s interpretive centers: Atomic Legacy Cabin in Grand Junction, Colorado; Weldon Spring Site in St. Charles County, Missouri; or Fernald Preserve Visitors Center near Hamilton, Ohio.
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