Fairmont State to Host NASA Day for Regional Middle Schools

Middle school students across North Central West Virginia will soon have a direct line to the architects of deep-space exploration.

On April 9, 2027, the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center is set to host North Central West Virginia NASA Day, an event designed to bridge the gap between classroom theory and the reality of modern aerospace engineering.

According to a release from Fairmont State University, the university’s College of Science and Technology Education Resource Center is spearheading the initiative.

The program aims to expose local students to STEM pathways by embedding them in hands-on activities ranging from 3D printing and robot programming to the mechanics of balsa airplanes and microcontrollers. The event is backed by a $2,000 grant from NASA’s West Virginia Space Grant Consortium, according to Fairmont State University’s November 9 release.

The centerpiece of the day is a keynote presentation by Dr. Scott Murchie of the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. His talk will focus on NASA’s Dragonfly mission to explore Saturn’s moon, Titan. For students in the region, the presentation offers a look at planetary science that extends far beyond the standard curriculum.

By bringing a researcher from the Applied Physics Laboratory to West Virginia, the event organizers are attempting to demystify the engineering required to operate a vehicle millions of miles from Earth.

While the event provides a day of engagement, the underlying goal is to introduce middle school students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics careers and educational pathways. The regional industry and education organizations participating in the day’s activities are addressing a challenge in the Mountain State: keeping STEM-focused students engaged with local career opportunities.

By showcasing technologies like planetarium presentations and air rocket physics, the organizers are creating a tangible touchpoint for students who might otherwise view aerospace careers as distant or inaccessible.

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Registration details for schools interested in attending are currently being handled by Dr. Todd Ensign. While the organizers have not yet finalized the start time for the event, the logistical framework is already established through the support of the West Virginia Space Grant Consortium.

As the April 2027 date approaches, the Robert H. Mollohan Research Center will serve as the hub for this intersection of local education and national space policy.