Google has partnered with Rogers State University to host the second annual AeroGames on Saturday, Oct. 26 at the RSU campus in Claremore.
The AeroGames is a competition for middle and high school students to participate in hands-on competitions involving gliders, wind-powered rockets, remote-controlled helicopters and other wind and aerospace-related devices.
In an effort to promote science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, Google and RSU have come together to offer a fun, interactive learning experience for Oklahoma students at no cost to schools. About a dozen schools have signed up to participate and registration remains open.
“The AeroGames are a unique way to inspire young people to excel in STEM. Our community is leading the charge in developing new and creative ways to incorporate hands-on learning techniques with our students, and we’re excited to be a part of it,” said Mike Wooten, operations manager for the Google Oklahoma data center in Mayes County.
The AeroGames will close with keynote speaker, NASA’s Dr. Tracy Drain, a systems engineer with the Jet Propulsion Lab. Drain is currently working on the Juno Mission to Jupiter. She will address students and guests and update them on the Juno spacecraft Earth flyby, which will occur on Oct. 9. Drain will talk about her favorite discoveries and share her story at 2 p.m. in the Centennial Center Ballroom.
“Strengthening STEM education is vital to the health of Oklahoma’s economy,” said RSU President Dr. Larry Rice. “RSU is honored to partner with Google for initiatives like the AeroGames that provide school children with fun, challenging competitions to reinforce STEM learning.”
Opening ceremonies will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the Centennial Center Ballroom. The speaking event and all of the competitions and awards ceremonies are open to the public.
For more information, visit www.rsu.edu/aerogames.