NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ASHBURN, VA) April 5th, 2024—JASON Learning is thrilled to announce that it will be conducting two exciting Argonaut Expeditions in 2024, taking place in Madera Canyon, Arizona, and Houston, Texas.
JASON Argonaut Expeditions are one of the most sought-after opportunities in the world of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education—only available to select students and teachers from JASON’s Argonaut partner school districts.
JASON Argonauts—named after the band of explorers in Greek mythology who accompanied the hero Jason in his quest to retrieve the Golden Fleece—work directly with JASON Learning scientists, engineers, and other inspiring STEM role models, assisting them on field expeditions, joining them in their lab or office, or being mentored by them remotely.
The first expedition for 2024, “Sky Islands BioQuest: Exploring Arizona’s Bug Diversity Amid Climate Change,” will occur in June in Madera Canyon, Arizona. The expedition will be led by two entomologists, The Bug Chicks, who have previously led expeditions to the Amazon Rainforest and Costa Rica. They design and conduct original research on arthropods and the effects of climate change on desert ecosystems. The Sky Islands BioQuest Argonauts will delve into desert biodiversity and study the impact of climate change on the local ecosystem.
The Argonaut Expedition is our favorite week of the year! We lead students and teachers through the process of science, from observation/inquiry and experimental design to the effective communication of data and results. It’s a week of identifying personal strengths, overcoming setbacks in the field and celebrating successes.
Being an Argonaut is a transformative experience, and we all return with a sense of wonder about our planet and the resilient people who work to conserve it. Argonauts build friendships that last a lifetime and become part of an incredible STEM community.
Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker, Entomologists & Educators (aka The Bug Chicks)
In mid-July 2024, the second expedition, “Houston GoalHackers: A Design Thinking Expedition for Future Entrepreneurs,” will take place in Houston, Texas. Students and teachers will explore design thinking, innovation, and entrepreneurship through a new JASON curriculum called “Goal Tracker” from JASON and NCSU’s Design & Pitch Challenges in STEM.
The Goal Tracker challenge challenges participants to design a business that helps users change unwanted behaviors or develop new healthy habits through tracking and visualizing their progress. Argonauts will have the opportunity to share their challenge solutions and get feedback from STEM professionals on the Houston GoalHackers expedition.
I am excited to again lead groups of students and teachers on a journey of discovery and innovation through the 2024 Argonaut expeditions! These expeditions provide a way for students to explore STEM education, learn how to tackle real-world challenges, and make a better world.
Jude Kesl, JASON Argonaut Expedition Leader
The JASON Argonaut program offers a unique opportunity for select students and teachers to travel to research locations around the world and work side-by-side with scientists and engineers, many of whom they have come to know through JASON’s curricula. Argonauts will not only gain valuable knowledge but also contribute to real-world scientific endeavors.
For the 2023 Argonaut Expeditions, Argonauts conducted original research with The Bug Chicks in Costa Rica, studied climate change in Acadia National Park, Maine, and learned about design thinking and entrepreneurship through the lens of recycling in Houston, Texas.
Educational exploration lies at the heart of JASON Learning’s mission. JASON’s Argonaut Expeditions embody our commitment to empowering the next generation of STEM leaders through hands-on experiences that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a lifelong love for learning.
Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning
The application process for the Argonaut program is highly competitive, requiring an essay and video demonstration of character, dedication, academic prowess, communication skills, and a passion for STEM. They also have to submit recommendation letters. Successful applicants will embark on a transformative educational journey that will inspire and educate them, leading to a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their applications.
Upon their return to their local communities, Argonauts share their knowledge and experiences, inspiring their peers and fostering a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their real-world applications.
JASON Learning will share photos and a blog post of the expedition within a week of the Argonauts’ return. Follow @JASONLearning on social media for updates on the 2024 Argonaut Expeditions.
###
About JASON Argonauts
The JASON Argonauts are named after the group of explorers in Greek mythology who accompanied the hero Jason in his quest to find the Golden Fleece. Argonauts are students and teachers who work alongside JASON scientists, engineers, and other inspiring STEM role models worldwide. Argonauts learn from these scientists and engineers by assisting them on field expeditions or joining them in their labs or offices. To learn more about the Argonaut program, visit https://jason.org/argonauts/.
About JASON Learning
JASON Learning is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit transforming science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education through real-world STEM curricula, project-based learning experiences for Pre-K-12 students, and high-quality professional development for teachers. JASON’s mission is to “inspire and educate students everywhere through real science and exploration.” To learn more about JASON, visit https://jason.org/.
Media Contact: Jenna Davis, jdavis@jason.org.
