Stemeducation - Blog Posts

Local D.C. Artists Celebrate Mary W. Jackson's Legacy

On June 24, 2020, NASA announced the agency’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C., was to be named after Mary W. Jackson to celebrate her life and legacy. We collaborated with Events DC to create artwork inspired by Jackson’s story as the agency’s first Black female engineer.

Take a look at how six local female artists interpreted Jackson’s place in history through their individual creative lenses.

1. Trap Bob

“To see Mary [W.] Jackson be so successful and to get the recognition that she deserves, it hits home for me in a couple ways.”

Tenbeete Solomon AKA Trap Bob is a visual artist, illustrator, and animator based in Washington, D.C.

“Art is so important across the board because it’s really a form of documentation,” says Trap Bob. “It’s creating a form of a history… that’s coming from the true essence of what people feel in the communities.”

2. Jamilla Okubo

“People can relate to things that may seem foreign to them through imagery.”

Jamilla Okubo is an interdisciplinary artist exploring the intricacies of belonging to an American, Kenyan, and Trinidadian identity.

“I wanted to create a piece that represented and celebrated and honored Mary [W.] Jackson, to remember the work that she did,” says Okubo.

3. Tracie Ching

“This is a figure who actually looks like us, represents us.”

Tracie Ching is an artist and self-taught illustrator working in Washington, D.C.

“The heroes and the figures that we had presented to us as kids didn’t ever look like me or my friends or the vast majority of the people around me,” says Ching.

4. Jennifer White-Johnson

"To be even a Black artist making artwork about space — it’s because of her triumphs and her legacy that she left behind.”

Jennifer White-Johnson is an Afro-Latina, disabled designer, educator, and activist whose work explores the intersection of content and caregiving with an emphasis on redesigning ableist visual culture.

“My piece is… a take on autistic joy because my son is autistic," says White-Johnson. "And I really just wanted to show him… in a space where we often don’t see Black disabled kids being amplified.”

5. Kimchi Juice

“In my art, I try to highlight really strong and empowering women."

Julia Chon, better known by her moniker “Kimchi Juice,” is a Washington, D.C.-based artist and muralist.

“As minority women, we are too often overlooked and under recognized for the work and time that we give," says Kimchi Juice. "And so to see Mary W. Jackson finally being given this recognition is fulfilling to me.”

6. OG Lullabies

“I wanted when one listens to it, to feel like there is no limit.”

OG Lullabies is a Washington D.C. songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, including violin and electronics.

“When you look back at history… art is the color or the sound in the emotions that encapsulated the moment,” says OG Lullabies. “It’s the real human experience that happens as time passes.”

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space: http://nasa.tumblr.com.

I had a wonderful time talking about human space flight to 3rd Graders at Starling Elementary today! The kids were very knowledgeable and had fantastic questions! I love the reaction I get when I tell my two “Gemini Astronauts” they have to sit next to each other and not shower for two weeks! Everybody: “EEEEWWWWWWW!!!” #stemeducation #STEM #NASA #ArtemisGeneration #Artemis #SolarSystemAmbassador #Orion #sls #spaceflight #gwinnettcounty #gwinnettcountyschools #graysongeorgia #wearegoing #explorepage #space https://www.instagram.com/p/CmLF0wZuxw8/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The kids at the Lilburn Activities Building learned about the Space Shuttle and NASA's James Webb Space Telescope today!!! They got to see what a Space Shuttle cockpit looked like when it was in orbit. The kids examined a piece of a space flown shuttle tire, and acted out the duties of shuttle crew members. To top it off, the kids took home Space Shuttle gliders, along with shuttle and JWST coloring pages! Special thanks to former astronaut, Terry Virts, for recording my introduction! The kids loved hearing your insights! #explorepage #space #stemeducation #spaceshuttle #JamesWebbSpaceTelescope #solarsystemambassador (at Lilburn, Georgia) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf9Xg3AujqY/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

The Space Shuttle The Space Shuttle program, officially called the Space Transportation System (STS), was the United States government's manned launch vehicle program from 1981 to 2011. The four reusable orbiters were launched vertically, like conventional rockets, and then landed horizontally on a runway. The program became politically untenable after Challenger in 1986 and Columbia in 2003 were lost. The Space Shuttle was the first reusable spacecraft in history. It was designed to be launched vertically, then land horizontally on a runway. The Space Shuttle program was a major part of the United States' space exploration efforts. It began with the development of a space shuttle proposal in 1972, which was approved for production as part of an inter-agency program between NASA and the Department of Defense. The first test flight occurred in 1981 and its first operational flight was STS-5, which launched on November 11, 1982. After a series of delays due to both technical issues and external events like the 1986 Challenger Disaster and 2003 Columbia Accident, it flew on 135 missions from 1981 until its decommissioning in 2011; its final launch being STS-135 by Atlantis on July 8th 2010. In 2011, the United States' Space Shuttle was retired from service after 30 years of service. In the current era of spaceflight, the United States is planning for its next crewed spacecraft Orion and its primary launch vehicle SLS; their first flight is set for 2022 with no crew members onboard followed by a crewed flight in 2023. Orion has been under development since 2004. It was originally planned to be launched atop an Atlas V rocket but has since switched over to being launched by a new SLS rocket under development by NASA as part of its Space Launch System program. The first mission using this new vehicle will be Exploration Mission 1 (EM-1) which will send astronauts on a lunar flyby mission before returning them safely back home again via parachute landing system similar to what occurred during the Apollo era. #explorepage #sts #spaceshuttle #nasa #columbia #challenger #discovery #atlantis #endeavour #kennedyspacecenter #stemeducation https://www.instagram.com/p/CfwYMqPuUMc/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Had a fun time at Fernbank Science Center’s Space Day! #apollo6 #nasa #stemeducation #georgia #spaceflight (at Fernbank Science Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CfPoHLaO6tG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Spent yesterday afternoon talking about “NASA In The 60s” to kids at a Gwinnett Parks Summer Camp. I love being a NASA/JPL Solar System Ambassador!!! #stemeducation #nasa #solarsystemambassador #nasasolarsystemambassador #gwinnetcountyparks https://www.instagram.com/p/CfHbeldO82N/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Astronaut Training Experience at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center! #nasa #orionspacecraft @rocketcenterusa @spacecampusa #space #spaceflight #stem #stemeducation #iss #internationalspacestation #astronaut #huntsvillealabama @visithuntsvilleal (at U.S. Space & Rocket Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CIKVmOcjcdQ/?igshid=1pki5qwzwoc25

In about 3 weeks, I’ll be attending Astronaut Training Experience at SpaceCamp as an educator! I’m so excited! Not bad for John, the world’s biggest 12 year old. Speaking of 12, that is also the number of former and current astronauts who have attended SpaceCamp. Astronaut Kate Rubins, who is on the ISS right NOW, attended as a seventh grader. #nasa @issnationallab @iss #space #stemeducation #spacecamp #iss #huntsvillealabama #launchamerica #stem https://www.instagram.com/p/CHcDEIWjriP/?igshid=rb5zh2exe8bt

Looking forward to the launch of Perseverance as part of MARS2020. Hoping to continue conducting educational opportunities for students in my area. @nasa @nasajpl #mars #marsrover #perseverance #stem #steam #stemeducation @nasasolarsystem https://www.instagram.com/p/CDNrSYAHsR3/?igshid=1c5lo9rnvwtop

chemistry has been kicking my butt lately. so i’m staying after school to study. yay 😀

on the bright side, i somehow managed to secure more than 100% in my comp sci class with a huge fail rate… not really going to question it in case it was a mistake tho. take the wins when they arise

GROOVY NEWS ALERT: We are excited to announce Groovy Lab in a Box is an Edison Awards 2020 Nominee. @EdisonAwards https://www.groovylabinabox.com/ #thomasedison #edison #groovylabinabox #EA20 #EdisonAwards #scientist #science #stemist #STEMeducation https://www.instagram.com/p/B6CdBFlBy0M/?igshid=13shfsurs9035

GROOVY NEWS ALERT: We are excited to announce Groovy Lab in a Box is an Edison Awards 2020 Nominee. @EdisonAwards #thomasedison #edison #groovylabinabox #EA20 #EdisonAwards #scientist #science #stemist #STEMeducation https://www.instagram.com/p/B6CdBFlBy0M/?igshid=z0wpz097xstx

#TBT 1999: Alexander McQueen’s fall/winter collection for Givenchy featured a flashing LED bodice and glow-in-the-dark pants that resembled a motherboard. #STEM #STEMforKids Learn and Teach More Here: https://www.groovylabinabox.com/tbt-1999-led-bodice/ #AlexanderMcQueen #Givenchy #led #motherboard #wearables #wearabletech #fashtech #fashiontech #STEMeducation https://www.instagram.com/p/B43PKtqnOTY/?igshid=1vtjzxh2h7nf6

Happy National STEM Day! Today we encourage everyone to seize the opportunity to bring STEM education into your home or classroom. And it doesn't have to be complicated 👉 sign up for a Groovy Lab in a Box subscription with a “set it & forget it” STEM solution. https://www.groovylabinabox.com/groovy-subscriptions/ There's an Engineering Design Challenge in every Groovy Box because we do the E in #STEM! 👩🏻‍⚕️ 👨🏿‍🔧 👨🏻‍🔬 👩🏼‍🏭 👨🏾‍🚀 👨🏼‍💻 #NationalSTEMDay #NationalSTEAMDay #stemeducation #steameducation #iteachstem #iteachsteam #stemday #steamday #stemforkids #STEMists #STEMist https://www.instagram.com/p/B4oA6-aBVDI/?igshid=1bxxlxp0f1zej

What's in the Box?  An Engineering Design Challenge is in every groovy box! Make It Fun - When kids “engineer” their very own original designs, they are doing the “E” in STEM! #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #edreform #ProjectBasedLearning #365homeschool #PBL #homeschoolSTEM #scied #homeschoolcollective #steam #homeschooleducator #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #homeschooling #homeschoolscience #homeschool #STEMChallenge #NGSS #homeeducation #EngineeringDesignProcess #STEMist #homeschoolmama #homeschoollife #MakerSpace The Original #SubscriptionBox Kids Love! https://www.instagram.com/p/B1FBi1yBNNY/?igshid=1tg7ce099v39i

Design Challenge:  You're shipwrecked on a deserted island with only your Groovy Lab in a Box. Inside your groovy box are the materials to design and build a solar balloon, solar oven, conductivity tester and a desalination plant. Can you eat, drink and get someone to rescue you using only your Groovy Lab in a Box materials? Find out with "Here Comes the Sun" groovy box!  Sign up for your subscription by clicking "Groovy Subscriptions" on our website: www.GroovyLabInABox.com #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! #NGSS #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #ProjectBasedLearning #365homeschool #PBL #homeschoolSTEM #scied #homeschoolcollective #steam #homeschooleducator #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #homeschooling #homeschoolscience #homeschool #STEMChallenge #teacherspayteachers #homeeducation #EngineeringDesignProcess #STEMist #homeschoolmama #homeschoollife #MakerSpace The Original #SubscriptionBox Kids Love https://www.instagram.com/p/B0_gZo0BqfX/?igshid=2nyp5zozqbjv

#STEMist News Alert: World Environment Day on June 5th is the United Nations day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment. Link in bio. @UNEnvironment #BeatAirPollution #WorldEnvironmentDay #AirPollution #STEMeducation #STEMforKids #yearroundhomeschooling https://www.instagram.com/groovylabinabox/p/ByTmHcEBmZ9/?igshid=1jje7dwys3ipr

Presented in partnership with @PopularMechanics magazine, this month's groovy box "What's The Matter?" is all about ice and the #StatesOfMatter. Sign up for May's monthly subscription to ensure you get this groovy box for the #STEMist in your life. #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #scichat #scied #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #PopularMechanics #ElemEd #STEMChat #homeschoolscience #instascience #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #PopMech #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #futureengineer #futurescientist

@PopularMechanics ​​editor in chief Ryan D'Agostino and his kids built this project using May's Groovy Lab in a Box that you can buy too. Here's an excerpt of what he had to say: "This month Groovy Lab in a Box - a fantastic educational company that mails shoe-box-size educational kits to kids, teaching them about science, technology, mathematics, and engineering—is releasing a special Popular Mechanics box featuring this project. Get yours at groovylabinabox.com. Sign up, and they'll send out a new box every month with a different theme. This month, they're releasing a special Popular Mechanics box, featuring the project on this page. Kids learn the properties of ice through hands-on experiments, and at the end they're challenged to create a lantern out of ice for an imaginary ice hotel! You could make this project without the box - but then you wouldn't get Groovy's excellent workbook, instructions, and supplies. An annual subscription costs just $24.95 per month and is much better than watching TV. Start one today—and get your Popular Mechanics box—at groovylabinabox.com". Order your subscription today by clicking the link in our groovy bio! #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #scichat #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #PopularMechanics #ElemEd #STEMChat #homeschoolscience #instascience #PopMech #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #PopMech #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #futureengineer #futurescientist

Presented in partnership with @PopularMechanics magazine, this month's groovy box "What's The Matter?" is all about ice and the #StatesOfMatter. Sign up for May's monthly subscription to ensure you get this groovy box for the #STEMist in your life. Pull a wire through a block of ice? This trick works thanks to a groovy phenomenon called 'regelation', in which ice melts from the pressure applied by a wire and freezes again when the pressure is reduced. #regelation What's Happening? The balloon ice weights pull the copper wire through the block of ice. The pressure applied by the weights forms a liquid directly under the copper wire. As the wire travels downward the liquid refreezes above the wire and forms back into a solid.  This is similar to ice skating where the blades of a skater melt the ice directly underneath, allowing the skater to move smoothly on a thin layer of water. #STEMists do the "E" in STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #scichat #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #PopularMechanics #ElemEd #STEMChat #homeschoolscience #instascience #PopMech #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #PopMech #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #futureengineer #futurescientist

Awww, such smart kitties. They clearly love our "Moon Dance" groovy box which is all about convex and concave lenses! Check out our groovy deal - 50% OFF "Moon Dance" Single Box! CODE: FULLMOON Go to "Single Boxes" on our website, click the "Moon Dance" groovy box then use code: FULLMOON at checkout. Hands-on Next Generation Science Standards, project-based learning. #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Fellow STEMists who want to become optical engineers can be on their way to doing research and investigations through the engineering design process found in monthly-themed Groovy Lab in a Box.  Explore Earth’s moon, gravity, mass vs. weight, moon phases, tides, light, telescopes and much, much, more. Check out "Moon Dance" for more groovy fun for STEMists! Engineering Design Challenge:  You are an optical engineer, using only the materials from your Groovy Lab in a Box, can you design and build a two lens telescope which can expand and contract while you make observations of the night sky? #optics #NASA #science #technology #engineering #math #education #convex #GroovyLabInABox #STEMist #FutureScientist #homeschooling #opticalengineer #FutureEngineer #STEMEd #moonphases #homeschooling #gravity #galileo #refractingtelescope #concave #homeschoolscience #GroovyLab #telescope #telescopes #STEMEducation #STEMEdu #instascience #MakerEd

50% OFF "Moon Dance" Single Box! CODE: FULLMOON Give your STEM Friends a groovy heads up: 1.) ❤ this post 2.) TAG a #STEMist. 3.) SHARE this post and some groovy #STEM! Go to "Single Boxes" on our website, click the "Moon Dance" groovy box then use code: FULLMOON at checkout. Hands-on Next Generation Science Standards, project-based learning. #STEMists do the "E" in STEM! Fellow STEMists who want to become optical engineers can be on their way to doing research and investigations through the engineering design process found in monthly-themed Groovy Lab in a Box.  Explore Earth’s moon, gravity, mass vs. weight, moon phases, tides, light, telescopes and much, much, more. Check out "Moon Dance" for more groovy fun for STEMists! Engineering Design Challenge:  You are an optical engineer, using only the materials from your Groovy Lab in a Box, can you design and build a two lens telescope which can expand and contract while you make observations of the night sky? #optics #NASA #science #technology #engineering #math #education #convex #GroovyLabInABox #FutureScientist #homeschooling #groovy #opticalengineer #FutureEngineer #STEMEd #moonphases #homeschooling #gravity #galileo #refractingtelescope #concave #homeschoolscience #GroovyLab #telescope #telescopes #STEMEducation #STEMEdu #instascience

#GMO FREE...Mmmm, yummy! Organic sunflower butter, raisins, seeds and mealworms are all in this groovy box! "For the Birds" is now available as a SINGLE BOX just click on our groovy website from the link above. Engineering Design Challenge:  You are a Bird Feeder Engineer and want to invent a groovy bird feeder design that’s never been seen before. Can you design and build a bird feeder that meets the survival needs of local birds using upcycled materials? #upcycle #STEMists do the "E" in STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #scichat #scied #sciafterschool #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #homeschoolscience #instascience #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #STEMist #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #futureengineer #futurescientist

Our Boxes Are Much More Than Science Supplies What problems have you solved today? Every day we are challenged with solving problems, and as adults, we don’t think about the process that goes into finding a solution because we have years of practice. We learned at an early age to be problem solvers. Groovy Lab in a Box wants to help children be problem solvers too. We foster creative innovation of children, beginning in their early informative years, by enticing their innate curiosity and determination through the engineering design process. What is the Engineering Design Process? @NASA’s example of the Engineering Design Process “involves a series of steps that lead to the development of a new product or system.” In fact, all engineering design processes start with the identification of a problem, or asking of a question to a solution or conclusion. Thinking Outside of the Box Our lessons don’t stop with the box. All #STEMists continue learning through access to “Beyond…in a Box,” a unique web portal containing videos, interactive activities, #STEM library and much, much more which work in tandem with the box projects. Groovy Lab in a Box challenges children to create their own designs by using the #engineering design process and to think outside the box. This is how they learn to be successful creative problem solvers. We are excited to play a part in STEMists’ creativity and learning. Start your subscription today, or check out our Single Box Order options, to get Groovy Lab in a Box for your #STEMist! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #EWeek2016 #PBL #EngineeringIsFun #BeAnEngineer #EngineersWeek #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #EdChat #EngineeringWeek2016 #homeschoolscience #instascience #STEMChallenge #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #homeschool #Homeschooling #futureengineer #futurescientist

50% OFF "Fly With Me" Single Box! CODE: FLY50 Give your STEM Friends a groovy heads up! Click here: http://www.groovylabinabox.com/shop/fly-with-me/ use CODE: FLY50 at checkout then get ready to take flight... Hands-on Next Generation Science Standards, project-based learning. #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Engineering Design Challenge: You are a starry-eyed aerospace engineer and a groovy world traveler.  You dream of taking off in the blue, gliding where the air is stratified and floating down to Peru.  Using only the materials from your Groovy Lab in a Box, can you design, build, and launch an airplane generating thrust with a propeller which travels fifteen feet? STEMists, get ready to pack up and fly away! Investigate: Parachutes; Weight, Lift, Drag and Thrust; Bernoulli’s Principle; Action–Reaction; Force of Air Game; Wings are Lifters; Catapult Airplanes; Airplane Kites; “Deux” Loop Glider ; Helicopter with Propeller, build various types of aerospace vehicles and much, much, more. Emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) Extended learning through our exclusive online portal For children ages 8 and up #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning

Feel the Groovy Love - 50% OFF "Fly With Me" Single Box! Give your STEM Friends a groovy heads up: 1.) ❤ this post 2.) TAG a #STEMist. 3.) SHARE this post and the groovy love! Go to "Single Boxes" on our website, click the "Fly With Me" groovy box then USE CODE: FLY50 at checkout and take flight... Hands-on Next Generation Science Standards, project-based learning. #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #scichat #scied #sciafterschool #engineeringeducation #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #EdChat #STEMChat #homeschoolscience #instascience #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #MakerSpace #EngineeringDesignProcess #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #futureengineer #futurescientist

"It's Electric!" is now available as a groovy SINGLE BOX! Groove on over to our website, click SINGLE BOXES to do the "E" in STEM! Here is one of the many investigation activities in "It's Electric!" - made with paper circuits and groovy LED lights. Investigate electricity while constructing a groovy door alarm. Explore switches, the origin & structure of the atom. Acquire various science and engineering practices aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards and much, much more. Groovy Lab in a Box is hands-on STEM, project based learning made FUN! #STEMists do the "E" in #STEM! Engineering Design Challenge in every groovy box! Engineering Design Challenge: You are a groovy electrical engineer who has been contracted by the latest groovy dance group.  Using only the materials from your Groovy Lab in a Box, can you design and build a groovy dance pad with specific criteria and constraints? #NationOfMakers #STEMforKids #STEMEducation #STEMEd #ProjectBasedLearning #PBLChat #PBL #STEMtastic #unschooling #ElemEd #EdChat #homeschoolscience #instascience #STEMChallenge #NGSS #MakerEd #EngineeringDesignProcess #STEMist #GroovyLabInABox #GroovyLab #STEMChat #Maker #FutureEngineer #Parenting #MakerSpace #FutureScientist

It's #ThrowBackThursday! Atomic Energy Lab by Gilbert! | #STEM #STEMEd #TBT #STEMEducation#STEMists#STEMist#Science#Tech#Engineering#Math#KidActivities#kidscience#HomeSchool#Teacher#StayCurious#TeachersofInstagram#ScienceRocks#DIY#FutureScientist#Scienceisfun#Scienceiscool#education#homeschoolscience#handsonlearning