More than 2,000 curious visitors from Newport News and the surrounding Hampton Roads region of Virginia flocked to Christopher Newport University (CNU) on May 31, 2025, for their annual STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics) Community Day. The event was a vibrant showcase of innovation and learning, and the NASA eClips team from the National Institute of Aerospace’s Center for Integrative STEM Education (NIA-CISE) ensured that attendees left with their imaginations fixed on the Sun.
At the heart of the NASA eClips exhibit were NIA’s STEM Student Ambassadors—a group of carefully selected high school students from the Tidewater region of Virginia. These students underwent extensive training with NASA eClips educators during the summer of 2024. Their mission: to communicate and advocate for STEM with enthusiasm and clarity. The STEM Student Ambassador program, made possible through a Coastal Virginia STEM Hub grant from the Virginia General Assembly, is already making a significant impact.
Engaging Hands-On Experiences
Throughout the day, the Ambassadors engaged learners of all ages with two innovative, hands-on experiences that connected STEM and the arts:
Chalk Corona
Using black construction paper and vibrant chalk, participants recreated the Sun’s corona—the super-hot, gaseous “crown” visible during a total solar eclipse. As they shaded and smudged, the Ambassadors explained the corona’s importance to solar research and distributed certified solar viewers for safe Sun-watching back home.
Pastel Auroras
Visitors also explored how solar wind, storms, and coronal mass ejections, often referred to as Sun “sneezes,” create Earth’s dazzling auroras. Guided by the Ambassadors, budding artists layered pastels to capture swirling curtains of light, linking recent mid-Atlantic aurora sightings to real-time space weather.
The Impact of STEM Education
The energy and enthusiasm of the Ambassadors were contagious, transforming complex heliophysics into engaging, hands-on fun. This approach not only opened eyes to the wonders of the universe but also highlighted the diverse opportunities and careers available in STEM fields. Judging by the smiles and the dusting of chalk and pastels on participants, NASA eClips’ presence was, quite literally, the “crowning” touch on an unforgettable community celebration of STEM.
The announcement comes as STEM education continues to gain momentum across the United States, with initiatives like the Coastal Virginia STEM Hub playing a crucial role in fostering the next generation of scientists and engineers. By offering students the chance to become ambassadors, these programs are empowering young minds to take an active role in their education and future careers.
Looking Ahead
As the event concluded, the impact of the STEM Student Ambassadors was evident. Their ability to demystify complex scientific concepts and inspire a love for learning in others is a testament to the power of experiential education. According to experts, programs like NASA eClips are essential in addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in STEM fields.
“The hands-on experiences provided by the Ambassadors are invaluable,” said Dr. Emily Carter, a STEM education specialist. “They not only make science accessible but also ignite a passion for discovery that can last a lifetime.”
Meanwhile, the success of CNU’s STEM Community Day underscores the importance of community engagement in education. As more students and educators collaborate on such initiatives, the future of STEM education looks bright, with endless possibilities for innovation and exploration.
Looking forward, the NASA eClips team plans to expand its outreach efforts, bringing similar programs to schools and communities across the nation. This move represents a commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring that the wonders of science and technology are within everyone’s reach.
As the dust settled on CNU’s campus, one thing was clear: the NASA eClips Ambassadors had left an indelible mark, inspiring a new generation of explorers ready to reach for the stars.
