With the opportunities available thanks to NDEP funding, static text book learning exercises are turned into more exciting hands-on research projects. Some of the project concept scenarios include programming robots to find hidden obstacles or to repair delicate coral reefs damaged by oil spills. Participating teachers are paid for training time and receive fresh supplies and expert help from defense employees. Students perform the same type of critical analysis, team work and trial-and-error methodology used by the specially trained scientists and engineers from nearby military labs who become active classroom participants.

Jessica White, a seventh grade teacher and science department chair for King George County (VA) Schools, says the program has become so popular at her school it is being embraced by non-science faculty. The English department jumped on board this year, devoting three weeks to studying coral reefs. A Civics class is talking about scheduling a discussion of the politics and government action that goes into preserving coral reefs. "The kids get very into it," White says. "They like the competition factor. That is what middle school is about."

Carol Gick, a eighth grade teacher with Battlefield Middle School (Fredericksburg, VA), oversees a nine-week program that includes about 50 students working together in 90 minute blocks on days the scientists are in the classroom. She singles out the training effort for praise. "It is very important to have advance communication because having a stranger come in and take over your classroom is a little nerve wracking," she says.
A major supporter of the program today, Gick says when speaking to groups of teachers interested in the program she encourages them to be flexible and open to the partnerships with the labs. "You will be surprised what students come away with," she says. "Try it one time and if it doesn't work, you don’t have to do it again."

Dianne Clowes, an eighth science teacher at Ni River Middle School (Spotsylvania, VA), says the relationships developed with the defense  scientists and engineers have a payoff beyond the classroom. "I started a rocketry club last year and I was wondering ‘how come this is not working?" Clowes says. "I called the engineers and they were really great about helping me work it out. You build a relationship in the community through this program."You also introduce students to some new options. "Our goal is get the students thinking about the possibility of a STEM career," Clowes says. "At the end of the project they are definitely more interested."