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DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT

Provided By
San Antonio Museum of Science and Technology

DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT serves students in grades 3–12 as they engage in a scavenger hunt to learn more about DoW STEM careers. Elementary students participate in Elementary Launch Pad at their schools and at SAMSAT. Middle and high school students participate in hands-on learning activities related to numerous STEM fields onsite at SAMSAT.

Logic Model

Program Activities

Students (Grade 3-12)

(Grades 3-5) participate in Elementary Launch Pad at school and SAMSAT ​ 

(Grades 6-12) participate in hands-on STEM activities related to cyber, space, aeronautics, robotics, coding, video game design, advanced manufacturing, engineering etc.​ 

Complete a DoW themed scavenger hunt on the museum floor, including viewing screens highlighting DoW career opportunities and local STEM career pathways​

Program Near-Term Outcomes

Students (Grade 3-12)

Increase their awareness of STEM and DoW STEM careers​ 

Increase their knowledge of and skills for engaging in contemporary STEM topics/subjects​ 

Increase their confidence for engaging in STEM learning activities

DSEC Near-Term Outcomes

Students (Grade 3-12)

Increased student engagement and interest in STEM (formal and informal)​ 

Increased participant STEM competencies (skills, knowledge, abilities, and confidence)​ 

Increased participant awareness of, and interest in STEM research and careers​

Participant Perspectives

Participant perspectives reflect survey responses from 2025-2026, the first year of survey administration.

Of 3,129 student participants, 2,495 responded to the survey.

Students

Grades K-5

  • Strongly Disagree
  • Disagree
  • Agree
  • Strongly Agree
The Elementary Launch Pad program helped me learn about the paths I can take to a STEM career.
n = 1,186 valid responses
The Elementary Launch Pad program helped me learn about different STEM careers.
n = 1,186 valid responses
Elementary Launch Pad program made me more interested in STEM.
n = 1,169 valid responses
The Elementary Launch Pad program made me like STEM more.
n = 17 valid responses

Grades 6-8

  • Nothing at all
  • A little
  • Some
  • A lot
DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT increased my awareness of DoW STEM careers.
n = 276 valid responses

Grades 6-16

  • Disagree
  • Slightly Agree
  • Moderately Agree
  • Strongly Agree
The DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT program improved my ability to complete real world challenges in STEM.
n = 1,020 valid responses
The DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT program improved my knowledge of STEM topics.
n = 1,020 valid responses
The DoW STEM Mode at SAMSAT program helped me learn about different kinds of STEM jobs and careers in the Department of Defense.
n = 1,309 valid responses
Program Data

Program data includes participants from both years of Base Period (2024-2025 and 2025-2026). 

Students

4,781 total student participants

Student Grade Level

Military-Connected Students

Educators

5 total educator participants

Educator Type

Category Count %
No position listed 5 100%

Educator Grade Levels

Military-Connected Educators

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