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USAARL

UNITED STATES ARMY AEROMEDICAL RESEARCH LABORATORY

GEMS Leadership Opportunities

Applications are open for GEMS Near Peer Mentors until February 28, 2023. Please see the application link and the downloadable recommendation forms below.

Applications for GEMS Resource Teachers are closed.

Student with head gear
Student Experiment
Student with balloon
Student with head gear
Student Experiment
Student with balloon

Near-Peer Mentors

Apply Here

Download the Near-Peer Recommendation Form

Download the Near-Peer Mentor flyer

Eligibility:
Students who are enrolled in the 11th or 12th grade or students who are currently enrolled in a STEM- or education-related college degree program are eligible to apply for the Near-Peer Mentor opportunity. Near-Peer Mentors are selected, via a competitive application and interview process, for their technical expertise, attitude, and teaching ability.

Please e-mail usarmy.rucker.usaarl.mbx.stem@health.mil if you would like to be added to the distribution list.

Application Requirements
  • A completed online application
  • Academic transcripts
  • Resume
  • Two recommendation forms

Description:
Near-Peer Mentors are thoroughly trained in the conduct of the GEMS modules and in basic methods and practices of teaching. The Near-Peer Mentors teach the experiments to the students and serve as role models to the students by promoting science and math courses and by acting as expert resources concerning college life and career pathways. Near-Peer Mentors serve as role models for GEMS students and prepare materials for implementing STEM experiments. Candidates selected for program participation will undergo a security clearance/background investigation. Mentors earn an educational stipend.

Responsibilities:
Near-Peer Mentors are responsible for learning experiment protocols, preparing materials for the experiments, teaching experiments, implementing safety procedures, engaging and supervising students, mentoring students, maintaining ethical behavior, documenting the program through photography and film, and completing other assigned tasks.


MODULE DESCRIPTION ELIGIBILITY
Simple Machines GEMS Exploration of basic engineering techniques to build, test, and evaluate simple machines 4th-5th
graders
Forensics GEMS Investigation of problem solving, engineering, physics/force of motion, and forensics techniques 6th-7th
graders

Robotics GEMS

Building, coding, and programming robots to maneuver and conquer different tasks 8th-9th
graders
Medical GEMS Investigation of the physiology of various human organ systems, and exploration of various healthcare professions 10th-11th
graders

Resource Teachers

Eligibility:
The Resource Teachers are typically certified elementary, junior high, or high school teachers with experience teaching STEM-related concepts and lessons. The Resource Teachers are selected via a competitive interview process, for their technical expertise, attitude, and teaching and managerial skills.

Please e-mail usarmy.rucker.usaarl.mbx.stem@health.mil if you would like to be added to the distribution list.

Application Requirements
  • A completed online application
  • Resume
  • Two recommendation forms

Description:
The Resource Teachers oversee the GEMS mentors who are eager to have a positive impact on the education and lives of GEMS students, teach STEM experiments to GEMS students who are motivated to learn, encourage GEMS students to pursue STEM-related careers, build a relationship with Department of Defense STEM professionals, and enhance their own STEM-related teaching skills. The selected candidates will undergo a security clearance/background investigation. The Resource Teachers earn an educational stipend.

Responsibilities:
The Resource Teachers are primarily responsible for implementing the GEMS program according to the curricula, training and overseeing the activities of the Near-Peer Mentors, providing to GEMS mentors and students guidance related to STEM experiments, preparing supplies and materials, managing the day-to-day operations of GEMS, ensuring the safety of GEMS students and mentors, and leading regular after action review meetings with staff. The Resource Teachers are expected to be present for the duration of the GEMS modules for which they are selected.

USAARL GEMS Contact

USAARL GEMS Program Coordinator
usarmy.rucker.usaarl.mbx.stem@health.mil


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Last Modified Date: 2023-02-01