NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(ASHBURN, VA) March 13th, 2023— JASON Learning (JASON) will officially conduct three Argonaut expeditions in 2023!
JASON Argonaut Expeditions are one of the most sought-after opportunities in the world of STEM education—only available to select students and teachers from JASON’s Argonaut partner school districts. For the first time since 2019, three in-person Argonaut expeditions will take place and selected students and teachers will be divided among locations.
In June 2023, the Argonauts will travel to Costa Rica to design and conduct original research. The Bug Chicks will lead the expedition.
In early July 2023, Arogonauts will head to Acadia National Park in Maine to learn about the impacts of climate change. They will help solve challenges caused by climate change and other consequences of ocean acidification and microplastics.
In late July 2023, student and teacher Argonauts will go to Houston, Texas, to learn about Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship using JASON/NCSU’s Design & Pitch Challenges in STEM.
Lewis Moore, who joined the JASON team as the Senior Manager of Implementation and Partnerships last year, recounts his experience as an Argonaut,
“In the Summer of 2019, our JASON expedition team of teachers and students from around the country, along with our wonderful expedition leader- Jude Kesl, had a life changing experience studying bees, pollinators, and climate change in Costa Rica. Jude’s team building activities created a genuine comradery. We Argonauts spent time in the field deploying traps and collecting pollinators on hikes and through local farms. As a classroom teacher, it was inspirational to see students so engaged with the scientific process of conducting research. The amazing up-close experiences with these unique wildlife was an experience none of us will ever forget.”
Lewis Moore, Senior Manager of Implementation and Partnerships at JASON and Teacher Argonaut, Costa Rica 2019
JASON’s Argonaut program is an incredible educational adventure and can be a truly life-changing experience. As such, each spot on the team is highly coveted. Every year, students and teachers compete against their peers nationwide to be on the next JASON Argonaut team. The application process is highly competitive and rigorous. Students and teachers submit extensive background information that proves their character, dedication, academic abilities, communication skills, and, most importantly, enthusiasm for science.
“It is an inspiration to see Argonauts become confident STEM leaders. We have over 30 years of Argonauts and most of those students have entered STEM careers post-graduation and continue to share their passion for science with the world.”
Dr. Eleanor Smalley, President and CEO of JASON Learning
The JASON Argonauts become the eyes and ears for their peers back home, experiencing firsthand what it’s like to pursue a STEM career, sharing that knowledge when they return to their local communities, and making critical real-world connections to the STEM topics they’ve learned about in the JASON classroom curricula.
We are very excited about the 2023 Argonaut Expedition and cannot wait to share photos, videos, and testimonials from their experiences with you. JASON Learning brings science learning to life in a way that is engaging, empowering, and memorable. Argonauts remember their expeditions for a lifetime, and they return home with a strengthened love of learning and adventure.
###
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 office. 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.
