London High School Freshman, Cameron Carn, and London Middle School Teacher, Mrs. Elizabeth Landingham, are two of 18 students and educators from across the country gearing up this month for a design thinking expedition to Boston, Massachusetts.
The London City School District has partnered with Jason Learning for several years in order to provide a variety of STEM-related opportunities for district students. One of those opportunities is the chance for a student and teacher to participate in an educational, immersion experience. Named after the band of explorers in Greek mythology who accompanied the hero Jason in his quest to find the Golden Fleece, Jason Argonauts work 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.
Both Cameron and Mrs. Landingham collaborated remotely with Jason staff and STEM mentors to learn and practice the design-thinking process during the fall of 2021. While doing so, they also practiced “thinking like an entrepreneur,” so they understand how innovations survive and endure in real-world markets. Later this month, the pair will visit Boston, Massachusetts, to witness how STEM professionals in cutting-edge industries use design and entrepreneurial thinking concepts daily to solve real-world problems and create the next “big thing.” Their three-day itinerary includes visits to world-renowned research institutes, multinational biotech manufacturers, and 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. The pair will document and share their expedition experiences with classmates when they return.
You may follow the 2022 Argonauts on their adventures by following JASON on social media @JASONLearning on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. You can learn more about the JASON Argonaut Program, visit https://jason.org/argonauts/.