Campus News
September 25th, 2018
Homeschool students learn all about STEM
Area homeschool students experience virtual reality with Google Expeditions and Google Earth
Garrett College recently hosted nearly 40 homeschool students among the tristate area for the first set of courses involving Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, otherwise known as STEM. The second part of the session will wrap-up this Friday, September 28th at the College's McHenry main campus.
"The first session with the homeschool groups got off to a great start, with students between the ages of 6 to 17, fully engaged in STEM activities," noted Terry Beachy of continuing education and workforce development. "It was a delight to host such enthusiastic students and we are looking forward to planning many more events catering to their specific areas of interest."
Classes for the group were held in the College's new STEM facility. Students were able to participate in many interactive hands-on activities. In one of the courses, 'Google Expeditions Virtual and Augmented Reality Program & Google Earth,' participants were able to 'take a journey' and explore places of interest and landmarks through 360 degree and 3D images.
According to Google, Google Expeditions is an immersive education app that allows teachers and students to explore the world through over 800 virtual-reality and 100 augmented-reality tours. As a result, one can swim with sharks, visit outer space, turn the classroom into a museum, and more without ever leaving the classroom.
Pictured are Mason Powell (left) and Iris Dubansky (right) using Google Earth & Maps on tablet devices along with a globe. Student Emma Ujvagi is seated in the background. Karen Wood, an agent associate for the University of Maryland Extension, provided instruction for the course.
Phil Malone, mentor for youth robotics teams in Garrett County and founder of GEARS robotics center in Accident, launches a virtual-reality expedition with a smaller group, using virtual reality viewers and a tablet. Seated in the back row are Isaiah Carrington and Bethany Carrington. Seated around the table are (left to right): Caleb Yoder, Levi Carrington, Natalie Bender, Aiyana Yoder and Malone.
'Microscopic Life', 'Essential Robotics' and 'Engineering & Robotics' are the courses on the agenda for this group scheduled this coming Friday, September 28th.
For information on future STEM and STEM-related course offerings, contact Continuing Education and Workforce Development at 301-387-3069 or www.garrettcollege.edu. For information on degree programs in STEM and related fields, persons may contact the Garrett College Admissions Office at 301-387-3044.
