STEM Scouts Lab 239, Fredericksburg, Virginia

08/29/2025

08/24/2025

Hi everyone, we will not be moving forward with the lab as planned this year. Too many leadership shake-ups and logistical issues are making things too difficult to plan around.

Refunds should be arriving within the next two weeks. Reach out to me directly if they are delayed longer than that.

The lab will not be closing; rather we will be supporting the district with a revamped Nova/Supernova program.

Thanks,

Dan

08/16/2025

Hey everyone, there has been another shake-up at council regarding the STEM program this week. Please do not register until this gets sorted. There may be some major changes coming.

For those who has registered already, refunds will be given if plans for the fall change...

Thanks,

Dan

08/01/2025

This August is the Inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month!

www.iaem.org/KnowYourEM

In recognition of the International Association of Emergency Managers’ celebration of its inaugural National Emergency Management Awareness Month, the Virginia Department of Emergency Management encourages you to take proactive steps to prepare yourself, your family, and your community. Building awareness and small habit changes can make a significant difference during emergencies.

CommUNITY Resilience – 30 Days Stronger Together!

Join us for the 30-Day Self-Sufficiency Challenge: A 30-Day Self-Sufficiency Challenge is a structured program designed to help individuals increase their self-reliance and independence in various aspects of emergency situations.

This week, focus on these daily tasks to kickstart your emergency preparedness journey:

Day 1: Are You Ready? Begin the 30-Day Self-Sufficiency Challenge.

Day 2: Create an emergency contact list—include non-digital options.

Day 3: Build a basic emergency kit with a two-week supply. (visit: vaemergency.gov/prepare/emergency-kit)

Day 4: Make a plan: household evacuation, communication, shelter-in-place. (visit: vaemergency.gov/prepare/make-a-plan)

Day 5: Include pets, assistive devices, and mobility needs in your plan.

Day 6: Home protection—check smoke alarms, flood-proofing, fire safety, insurance, defensible space.

Day 7: Sign up for local alerts and warning systems. (visit: vaemergency.gov/prepare/stay-informed)

Taking these small steps can greatly improve your safety and resilience. Remember, emergency readiness starts with you!

This page is for the public to learn about emergency management during National Emergency Management Awareness Month, August 2025.

07/26/2025

Pollination is an essential ecological survival function. Without pollinators, the human race and all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, i.e., those that produce all of our food and plant-based industrial products, almost 80% require pollination by animals.

These eastern black swallowtail chrysalis protect the caterpillar while it undergoes metamorphosis. Over a period of 7-20 days, the caterpillar changes into a butterfly.

Learn more at https://www.fs.usda.gov/managing-land/wildflowers/pollinators/importance and https://www.butterfliesathome.com/black-swallowtail-butterfly.htm

07/22/2025

National Capital Area Council - Introduction to Drones! https://share.google/JjxtKqvqXCXFAGOUu

National Capital Area Council (NCAC) is hosting an Introduction to Drones! workshop on August 16th!!!!

NCAC will host 2 groups at Sally's STEM Shack at Camp William B Snyder. Group A runs from 9 AM to 11Am and Group B runs from 12 PM to 2 PM.

Each session will cover basic drone operations and instructions on how to fly and properly navigate a drone. Each participant will receive a Holy Stone Mini Drone (or similar)!!!

Event OverviewNational Capital Area Council (NCAC) is hosting an Introduction to Drones! workshop on August 16th!!!!NCAC will host 2 groups at Sa

07/19/2025

If your Scout enjoys STEM, learn about Scouting America’s recent changes to NOVA and Supernova awards on Wednesday, September 17th at 8 pm. For more info and to sign up:

Aquia District - National Capital Area Council, Scouting America

The NCAC STEM Committee will be conducting a virtual training session on the new/updated Nova and Supernova program within the Council. Topics will in

05/28/2025

Hey everyone, we are considering starting our meetings at 630p in Sep. I was just wondering if that would negatively impact anyone.

05/22/2025

Hey everyone, these are the proposed modules for next school year. I will be sure to let you know if/when additional options become available. -Dan

ES Labs:

Flying, Falling and Fluid Dynamics: learn how fluids exert forces on moving objects; design mini wind tunnels and parachutes

Ancient Archaeology: a study of humans through an analysis of cultural remains, like clothes, household goods, hunting tools and even trash

How Things Work: gain a basic knowledge of Newton’s three laws of motion through hands-on applications as they build inclined planes, roller coasters, a ballon powered plane and circuit boards

Dinomite: members will become paleontologists, as they analyze sediment, recreate fossils, and create their own dinosaurs



MS Labs:

Microbiology: members will take a closer look at what it means to be “alive” and will examine the smallest form of life, the cell

Off to the Races: learn how to optimize the speed of a racing car

Space Exploration: members become space explorers and take their first mission to the moon