Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division hosted 20 students from high schools across Ventura County during STEM Camp on June 22 in Point Mugu, California.

The event was the last day of a weeklong Science, Technology, Engineering and Math camp hosted by Naval Base Ventura County.

Students completed a project that required them to engineer a marble track with multiple stops. A successful track would allow the first marble to “pick up” three more at stations throughout the track, without triggering release early or skipping any pick-ups.

“Problem solving is about being creative and innovative. You have to adapt, overcome, and learn,” said Rich Burr, NAWCWD’s STEM champion, in opening remarks.

Volunteers from across the command were on hand to help the students do just that. Students asked questions, took advice, and at times just impressed their mentors.

“These guys are wicked smart,” said NAWCWD volunteer Ken Shick. “I’m just trying to stay out of their way.”

After testing their tracks – with largely successful results – students completed a series of short STEM lessons. They wrapped up the week touring with Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 30 and the NAWCWD Threat/Targets Department.