In an effort to enhance STEM opportunities for students in their local community, DEPS is looking to
partner with ongoing STEM activities, adding Directed Energy (DE) to their STEM curriculum. The expanded
curriculum will help students to expand their knowledge of new technologies and future career opportunities.
DEPS is at the forefront of Directed Energy science and engineering projects.
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Electromagnetic energy travels in waves and spans a broad spectrum from very long radio waves to
very short gamma rays. The human eye can only detect only a small portion of this spectrum called visible
light. A radio detects a different portion of the spectrum, and an x-ray machine uses yet another portion.
NASA's scientific instruments use the full range of the electromagnetic spectrum to study the Earth,
the solar system, and the universe beyond.
Directed Energy harnesses the power of the electromagnetic spectrum.
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DEPS STEM Collaboration Overview
The Directed Energy STEM collaboration for K-12 can introduce students to the fascinating world of directed
energy technologies, using age-appropriate lessons and activities to engage learners in exploring
concepts like light, energy, magnetism, and optics. The program is designed to inspire curiosity,
encourage hands-on experimentation, and build foundational knowledge in physics and engineering.
Students can progressively explore complex topics in directed energy as they advance through grade levels.
Teachers, DEPS, and local professionals can present overviews of the history and science of lasers,
noting that 98% of lasers are not used in the Department of Defense but in commercial use of
cutting and welding. There is a broad array of career opportunities through Directed Energy STEM
pursuits, including operational needs to continually repair and maintain the life cycles of equipment.
By incorporating DE in the curriculum, DEPS looks to highlight skills necessary no matter a
student's future pursuits.
Program Goals
• Excite Curiosity: Spark an interest in STEM through engaging activities that showcase the
wonders of light, magnetism, and energy.
• Hands-on Learning: Foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills by encouraging
students to experiment and create.
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• Scaffold Learning: Gradually introduce students to more advanced concepts as they
progress.
• Explore Real-World Applications: Relate STEM topics to real-world technologies like
lasers, microwaves, and solar energy.
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| Applications |
K-12 Track: Rolling admission on going throughout the year, based on funding availability.
Applicants should call the DEPS office at (505) 998-4910 or email Cynnamon Spain at
cynnamon@deps.org.
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Every year DEPS participates in STEM competitions, challenging students to submit projects that
display the best use of electromagnetic spectrum to solve or diagnose a modern problem or create a
new application or capability. DEPS, a Special Award Donor, can sponsor up to $2000 worth of cash
awards to students and teachers in the Junior and Senior Divisions. We are unique in offering awards
to the teachers. An example of recent prizes is below.
Group: Senior Division
1st Place: First Place Prize: $500
Teacher of First Place: $200
2nd Place: Second Place Prize: $300
3rd Place: Honorable Mention Prize: $100
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Group: Junior Division
1st Place: First Place Prize: $400
Teacher of First Place: $200
2nd Place: Second Place Prize: $200
3rd Place: Honorable Mention Prize: $100
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DEPS plans to continue providing special awards at STEM events for many years to come, with the goal
that students learn of these awards, motivating them to pursue projects that display
the use of the electromagnetic spectrum to solve a modern problem or create a new application or capability.
DEPS hopes to incorporate Directed Energy technologies into many STEM curriculum and share the
aspirations of STEM with the next generation showcasing the capabilities and future of Directed Energy.
DE is more than just science fiction; lasers are tools with career fields available locally. DEPS welcomes
the opportunity to partner and show that directed energy can be a meaningful addition to STEM activities.
Many organizations and STEM teachers have jumped at the prospect of students learning about opportunities
important for future engineers and STEM enthusiasts.
Last updated: 3 November 2024
