Students from kindergarten to sixth grade at Arnn Elementary School attended the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics symposium, or STEM, to gain knowledge and possibly increase their interest in the respective fields.

The event kicked off with a musical performance from the U.S. Army Japan Band. The students experienced informative, collaborative and fun ways to integrate STEM, with U.S. Army Japan and other community partners presenting 16 real-world sessions that included everything from getting an up-close look at a Black Hawk helicopter with members of the U.S. Army Aviation Battalion – Japan, to a demonstration of Humvee-mounted ground satellite terminals by the 78th Signal Battalion. The students even got to learn about how bacteria grows and how viruses spread.

More than eight different units and nearly 100 volunteers, including both Soldiers and civilians, supported this year’s event. Lieutenant Colonel Michael Temko, commander of the 78th Signal Battalion, which has been a partner with Arnn for more than 20 years, highlighted the importance of supporting school activities.

Over the years, numerous partners from on and off the installation, such as the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, health and wellness experts, and even emotional support animals have come to Arnn in support of the students in order to increase their interest in STEM.