Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science
GEMS is an Army Educational Outreach Program that enables students to experience science and engineering in real-world Army laboratory settings. The GEMS program is based on a multidisciplinary educational curriculum and is focused on age-/grade-appropriate hands-on activities in areas including science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computational science, physics, optics, robotics, and chemistry.
Learning modules:
GEMS I - mechanical engineering | math | physics
GEMS II - chemical engineering | environmental science | electrical engineering | materials engineering | robotics | physics
GEMS III - electrical engineering | additive manufacturing | physics | forensic science | computer engineering | mechanical engineering | materials engineering and fiber science | soft skills *GEMS III is by invitation only.
Eligibility Information:
Students in grades 7 through 12 are eligible to apply for GEMS. Students who are currently in 12th grade who will graduate before June 1 are not eligible to apply for the GEMS program.
Only students who have successfully completed GEMS I and GEMS II will be invited to participate in GEMS III. If selected, students will complete advanced activities beyond those in GEMS I and GEMS II, in addition to working to solve real-world problems and participating in tours and technical briefings.
Student application period (varies by site)
January - March: Applications due.
April: Applications reviewed; participants selected and notified
June and July: Students participate in GEMS program
Educators - Visit the AEOP GEMS program site to apply to be a summer resource teacher
GEMS application
Engineers and Scientists in the Classroom
AvMC engineers and scientists visit school classrooms to conduct hands-on inquiry and design-based activities tailored to meet a specific STEM learning objective or event theme. Coupled with real-world technologies and career discussions, engineers and scientists put a personal face on STEM professions and help students see why STEM literacy and choosing a STEM profession are important.
Application process: Schools wishing to participate should contact the STEM Outreach office for an application.
STEM Tours
K-16 STEM tours may include 10 to 25 students
Tours of various Aviation & Missile Center facility areas are designed to provide students with a glimpse of the technologies and real-world STEM disciplines employed within AvMC, while providing a valuable learning experience about the working environment of Army laboratories in general.