“I want to know when scientists will start giving people super powers.” The question on the table was ‘why is STEM important to you’. One fourth grader knew their priorities and wanted some accountability for why he couldn’t fly yet.

STEM for Nevada was grateful to have the opportunity to present to the GATE students at Ernest May ES. We made observations on charged particles, electrostatic forces, ionization, and electromagnetic induction. To test our hypotheses we ran experiments to test the composition of air using the discussed concepts and ampules of excitable gases. Rest assured, using the scientific method, we discovered that while there is significantly more nitrogen in air, there is still plenty of oxygen to go around.

A special thanks to Alex Doom, a lead systems engineer at JT4, for participating in this event. He brought a unique perspective and explored the effect charged particles can have on aircraft operations.

Lightning struck about 45 times at May ES as the Marshalls dared to discover!