Spring is in the air! Beneath our feet, microbes called streptomyces release chemicals as they awaken and warm up. Pollen germination is activating and hydrating and pollen tube emergence has started.

And, obviously, it’s also FAIR season!

Last year, TCGers voted on an annual theme to support STEM education for girls and minorities. As a byproduct of this decision, we’ve learned a ton, having participated in numerous science fairs and science bowls around the DC area.

And the key thing we’ve learned is this: if you want to be inspired by today’s youth, attend a local science bowl. These regional science bowls challenge students’ knowledge of science, nature, and mathematics in tournament-style academic competitions. From Rockville and Largo in Maryland to Woodbridge, Virginia, TCGers volunteered at these events as rules judges, timekeepers, greeters, and scorekeepers.TCG was also an official sponsor at the Maryland Science Bowl, Regional Middle School Science Bowl, and the Chesapeake Ocean Bowl. Next month, TCG is sponsoring a high school cybersecurity competition at Prince George’s Community College.

TCG has also provided judges at local science fairs. TCGers judged at the Benjamin Banneker Academic High School Science Fair in DC and the Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Regional Science & Engineering Fair. At the LCPS fair, TCG sponsored the “Positively Distinct” Award, given to the student that scored the most points in the Behavioral and social sciences, Earth and environmental sciences, and Systems Software categories. They sent us a lovely letter.

 

The STEM initiative will wrap up at TCG’s Annual All-Hands Meeting in May. After that meeting, TCG will start a year of dedication to our national, state, and local parks.