More than 400 high school students from 41 schools across New Mexico gathered at the University of New Mexico Student Union Building Saturday, January 20, 2024, to present their projects at the annual New Mexico Governor’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Challenge.
The New Mexico Governor’s STEM Challenge is a unique partnership between the public and private sectors that fosters the next generation of STEM leaders and innovators from our state. Started in 2019 by then-Secretary Bill McCamley of the Department of Workforce Solutions, the Challenge was created to be both a competition and a collaboration between students, schools, government, business, and industry. These participants have been brought together by the LANL Foundation, which has overseen the Challenge since its inception( https://newmexicostem.org/ ). It recognizes achievement and develops potential in New Mexico's diverse student population by exploring how STEM careers can address local, state, and global challenges.
Deming High School (DHS) MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, and Science Achievement) team were excited to compete and presented their prototype to judges from the following companies: Chevron, Exxon Mobil, El Paso Electric, PNM, Pattern Energy, and Meta (formerly Facebook and Instagram). DHS MESA students presented a five-minute elevator pitch for their project, Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Energy, and how they answered this year’s challenge question: “Now that we live in a post-pandemic world, how can we improve overall mental, physical, or relational health and wellness in our homes, schools, and communities through the use of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)?
DHS MESA Team posing with their prototype, Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Resources
Photo from left to right: Mr. Valdes, Crystal Galarza, Julisa Echavarria, Xavier Lozano, Nathaniel Barron, Gisselle Reyes, Addison Schulke, Alexia Echavarria, Ayshleen Lopez, Sebastien Lescombes, and Mr. Belen
Not in the picture: Daniel Mosier
The DHS MESA team came up with a project that would benefit not only Deming High School, but the entire community of Deming. The student’s project was focused on building an interactive community playground integrated with various fully functional mini games that were embedded in solar tables powered by renewable energy (wind and solar energy). The project blended entertainment with education and hosted an array of engaging activities where families can play, interact, and learn about energy conservation in a fun and immersive setting.
Using the microprocessor, Arduino, and C++ programming, the team designed different interactive games that children can play while visiting the playground. The prototype games included digital dice for board games, whack-a-mole, and a coin counter game. The prototype also included an auto-watering system for park landscape, rainwater catchment, and water filtration system for an interactive garden. Weather data monitoring system and smart benches were also integrated in the proposed park. Students were given training by their coaches, Mr. Reynaldo Belen and Mr. John Bernard Valdes, on basic circuits and basic C++ programming to familiarize themselves with how microprocessors are designed and programmed to work.
During the announcement of winners, the Governor’s STEM Challenge committee asked each sponsor to introduce themselves, give a brief background of their company, and a short explanation on why they picked the specific school to recognize and sponsor. Deming High School MESA’s interactive community playground was recognized and selected by Meta. Meta explained that they had chosen Deming High School’s project because it aligned with their mission and vision “to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together” especially during this post-pandemic era. Apart from recognition, a reward for participating in the challenge, up to a total of $5,000 ($500 per student), is awarded to the winning teams.
“Most importantly, NM Governor’s STEM Challenge helped our students develop skills like teamwork, problem-solving, innovation, STEM development, communication skills, and students experienced breakthrough technologies.” said Mr. Reynaldo Belen, MESA coach “On behalf of Deming High School MESA team, we would like to extend our sincerest thank you to Deming Public Schools, Deming High School teachers and administration, and Deming Public Schools Activity/Athletic Office director and staff for their unwavering support to our program and students.”
In between their presentation while waiting for their judges, the local TV News, KOB 5, interviewed Deming High School MESA Team and was featured later that day (https://www.kob.com/new-mexico/new-mexico-high-schoolers-present-projects-at-annual-stem-challenge/).
Photo with representatives from Meta after announcing their recognition and sponsorship.
Back: Gisselle Reyes, Alexia Echavarria, Crystal Galarza, Julisa Echavarria, Addison Schulke, and Ayshleen Lopez
Front: Meta rep, Ms. Ramirez, Mr. Valdes, Mr. Belen, Nathaniel Barron, Xavier Lozano, Sebastien Lescombes, Meta rep, and Meta rep
Not in the picture: Daniel Mosier
Project/Proposal: EcoPlay: A STEM Project that Integrates Engineering, Environmental Science, and Technology to Create an Interactive Community Playground Powered by Renewable Energy
Deming High School MESA Team:
1. Addison Schulke (10)
2. Alexia Echavarria (10)
3. Ayshleen Lopez (11)
4. Crystal Galarza (10)
5. Gisselle Reyes (10)
6. Julisa Echavarria (10)
7. Daniel Mosier (10)
8. Nathaniel Barron (10)
9. Sebastien Lescombes (12)
10. Xavier Lozano (10)
DHS MESA Advisors/Coaches:
Mr. Reynaldo Belen and Mr. John Bernard Valdes
Project Google Site:
https://sites.google.com/view/dhsnmchallenge2024/home