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JASON's Argonaut Program

Life-Changing STEM Experiences with JASON's Role Models

Do you have what it takes to be a JASON Argonaut? This is one of the most sought-after opportunities in the world of STEM education, only available to a select number of students and teachers from our Argonaut partner school districts.

The Argonaut team—named after the band of explorers in Greek mythology who accompanied the hero Jason in his quest to find the Golden Fleece—works directly with JASON scientists, engineers, and other inspiring STEM role models, assisting them on field expeditions, joining them in their lab or office, or being mentored by them remotely.

In doing so, JASON Argonauts experience authentic, real-world STEM in action, and share their understanding and excitement with their peers in school and throughout their community.

Argonauts document and share their expedition experiences with their communities back home and others throughout the world through photos, videos, presentations, and events. Expeditions are shared via social media and the JASON website, generating awareness and excitement about their adventures.

Who Should Apply?

STUDENTS WHO:

  • Will be between 13-17 years old on June 1, 2024
  • Demonstrate a strong interest and ability in science
  • Possess excellent leadership and teamwork skills
  • Are self-motivated, creative, and adventurous
  • Possess (or are willing to learn!) excellent communication skills
  • Exhibit an eagerness to participate in field activities which may be outdoors and/or strenuous in nature
  • Have ideally used JASON in an educational setting
  • Are enrolled in one of JASON’s Argonaut partner school districts

Note: For students with special needs, accommodations may be made consistent with the student’s’ IEP

TEACHERS WHO:

  • Demonstrate outstanding performance in working with students
  • Demonstrate a strong interest and ability in science
  • Possess excellent leadership and teamwork skills
  • Are self-motivated, creative, and adventurous
  • Possess excellent communication skills
  • Exhibit an eagerness to participate in field activities which may be outdoors and/or strenuous in nature
  • Have five or more years of experience working with students
  • Have ideally used JASON Learning in an educational setting
  • Are employed by one of JASON’s Argonaut partner school districts

2024 Argonaut Expeditions

JASON Learning will conduct two expeditions in 2024:

Sky Islands BioQuest


Arizona

June 16-22, 2024

Houston GoalHackers


Houston, Texas

July 15-19, 2024

Sky Islands BioQuest: Exploring Arizona’s

Bug Diversity Amid Climate Change

June 16-22, 2024

With entomologists Kristie Reddick & Jessica Honaker as guides, Argonauts will take a close look at desert biodiversity in the race against climate change. By comparing historic datasets to data gathered during individual research projects, Argos will interact with an ecosystem where the effects of climate change can be seen in real-time.
Using the process of science, from inquiry to experiment design to presenting results, participants will return to their districts with hands-on experience and an understanding of how individuals and institutions can move forward in a dynamic climate. Being able to effectively communicate difficult concepts in a visual manner (Sci-comm) will give Argonauts important skills they can carry into any profession or career they choose.

Houston GoalHackers: A Design Thinking Expedition for Future Entrepreneurs!

July 15-19, 2024

The team of Argonauts will travel in July 2024 to Houston, TX, one of the nation’s leading centers of technology, design, and innovation. There, they will see how STEM professionals in cutting-edge industries use Design Thinking and entrepreneurial thinking concepts every day to solve real-world problems and create the next big thing. Their five-day itinerary will include visits to world-renowned research institutes, multinational biotech manufacturers, and scrappy startups.

In addition, while in Houston, Argonauts will have an opportunity to present and pitch their products, services, and business models to mentors who will provide feedback and advice.

Argonaut Blogs

JASON's 2022-23 Argonaut Expeditions

Houston, Texas: Design Thinking, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship

In July 2023, a team of JASON Argonauts embarked on this year’s final Argonaut Expedition, “Design Thinking, Innovation, & Entrepreneurship.” This journey took the Argonauts to Houston, TX – a hub of technology, design, and innovation. Over the course of six days, the Argonauts witnessed firsthand how STEM professionals harnessed design thinking and entrepreneurial concepts to tackle real-world challenges and shape the future.

Acadia National Park, Maine: Investigating Microplastics

The Argonauts immersed themselves in the heart of Acadia National Park, working on researching microplastics and their impact on the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. The Argonauts dug into microplastics to gain a deeper understanding of the current state of affairs. By tracking biodiversity and observing how organisms adapt to ocean acidification, the Argonauts played a vital role in expanding our knowledge of the intricate web of life that thrives within Acadia National Park.

Costa Rica: Wild Science: Adventures in the Jungle with The Bug Chicks

The Argonauts, along with The Bug Chicks, had the incredible opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and unique ecosystems of Costa Rica. From the beaches of Estacion Tortugas to the lush jungles and the Butterfly Farm, every moment of this expedition was filled with awe-inspiring experiences. This expedition was truly remarkable, and our Argos will cherish the memories and the valuable lessons learned amidst Costa Rica’s enchanting landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Meet the 2023-24 Argonauts

Abygail
Nadabug, AZ

Avidan
Newark City, OH

Christina
Mercer, WV

Jenni
Fairfax, VA

Julia
London, OH

Norah
Tomball, TX

Adonis
Fairfax, VA

Bryce
Mercer, WV

Dominic
Genessee Valley, NY

Jessica
Doddridge, WV

Kalie
Doddridge, WV

Oliver
West Warwick, RI

Rowan
Genessee Valley, NY

Alex
Newark City, OH

Carly
Portsmouth, VA

Holli
Nadaburg, AZ

Jill
Genessee Valley, NY

Karen
Tomball, TX

Olivia
Mercer, WV

Heather
London, OH

Ava
Portsmouth, VA

Carolyn
Genesee Valley, NY

Jamie
Genessee Valley, NY

Joshua
West Warwick, RI

Meredith
Newark City, OH

Rachel
Newark City, OH

JASON's 2021-22 Argonaut Expeditions

Design Thinking, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

October 2021 Remote Bootcamp

Argonauts will work remotely with JASON staff and STEM mentors over four sessions beginning in mid-October to learn and practice the process of Design Thinking:

●  How to empathize with end users of a product or service
●  Define the problem to be solved
●  Generate innovative ideas
●  Build prototypes
●  Test solutions
●  Iterate and improve

While doing so, Argonauts will also practice “thinking like an entrepreneur” so they’ll understand how innovations survive and endure in real-world markets.

September 2022 Boston, MA Expedition

The team of Argonauts that participated in the remote fall program will travel in September 2022 to Boston, MA, one of the nation’s leading centers of technology, design, and innovation. There, they will see how STEM professionals in cutting-edge industries use Design Thinking and entrepreneurial thinking concepts every day to solve real-world problems and create the next big thing. Their three-day itinerary will include visits to world-renowned research institutes, multinational biotech manufacturers, and scrappy startups.

In addition, while in Boston, Argonauts will have an opportunity to present and pitch their own products, services, and business models to mentors who will provide feedback and advice. 

Meet the 2021-22 Argonauts

Aakarsh
Tomball, TX

Carol-Ann
West Warwick, RI

Elizabeth
London, OH

Katherine
Burke, VA

Amanda
Portsmouth, VA

Cassondra
Tomball, TX

Ethan
West Warwick, RI

Kayla
Alexandria, VA

Savannah
Princeton, WV

Cameron
London, OH

Cristal
Spring, TX

Moira
Portsmouth, VA

Teresa
Athens, WV

Carl
Spring, TX

Elisha
Portsmouth, VA

Joseph
Princeton, WV

Paul
Portsmouth, VA

JASON's 2020 Argonaut Expeditions

Sounds of Science:

An Innovative STEM Summer Camp Experience Combining Student-Led Scientific Research & Essential Digital Skills

Summer 2020

Have you ever wondered about the sounds you hear outdoors? Why are they there? What’s making them? Are they reaching their intended audience? Can we capture and even map these sounds? Do human noises impact natural environments? Are these soundscapes changing over time?

Argonauts team up with entomologists Kristie Reddick and Jessica Honaker of The Bug Chicks on a “Virtual Expedition” to explore our world through sound in our camp program entitled “The Sounds of Science!” Youth work together to examine their local soundscapes, ask questions, design experiments, analyze data, and share results using best-practice science communication techniques as well as technology platforms and tools such as iNaturalist, MIT App Inventor, and Audacity.

The multidisciplinary nature of this project allows JASON to authentically combine and integrate elements of citizen science, design thinking, digital literacy, and innovation skill sets into an exciting, streamlined experience.

Meet the 2020 Argonauts

Aidan Massengill
Skidmore, TX

Breanna Herrick
Wetzel, WV

Kyan Butler
Spring, TX

Mary Le
Spring, TX

Alex Jones
Houston, TX

Brooklyn Brown
Byng, OK

Faith Yoho
Wetzel, WV

Laney Phillips
Franklin, VA

Michael Browning
London, OH

Peter Muhitch
At-Large

Amy Adkins
Newark, OH

Carolyn Hizer
Wetzel, WV

Grady Lamb
Doddridge, WV

Lucienne Baudry
Butler, OH

Nathaniel Cronin
Revere, OH

Stephanie “Hope” Bradshaw
Rolling Hills, OH

Amy Thomsen
Butler, OH

Carter Lipscomb
Doddridge, WV

Heidi Bee
Doddridge, WV

Madison Myers
London, OH

Nnemdi Amanambu
Revere, OH

Walter Sias
Doddridge, WV

Brandon Lilley
Franklin, VA

Clara Arcand
Smithfield, RI

Jane Ramos
Smithfield, RI

Mary Gerber
Washington, DC

Paul Sarandria
Portsmouth, VA

JASON's 2019 Argonaut Expeditions

Caterpillars & Climate Change, Nevada

Meet the Nevada Team

Forest Owls, Arizona

Meet the Arizona Team

Sea Turtles, Bahamas

Meet the Bahamas Team

Bees and Pollinators, Costa Rica

Meet the Costa Rica Team

Amazon Rainforest, Peru

Meet the Amazon Team

Design Thinking, California

Meet the Design Thinking Team