Sequim students recently traded their usual classroom view for something a little more cosmic, and a lot more hands-on, as two teams from Ms. Turner’s NASA Science Club at Sequim Middle School represented the Sequim School District at a regional hub event hosted at Central Washington University.
One middle school team and one high school team made the journey, turning the trip into more than just a competition. Students experienced campus life firsthand, staying in university dorms and getting a glimpse of what it is like to learn and live on a Washington State college campus. For many, it was their first time stepping into that kind of environment, and they rose to the occasion with curiosity, teamwork, and a lot of determination.
Once the competition began, students tackled a series of hands-on engineering and science challenges designed to push their problem-solving skills into high gear. Events included an AeroPod kite challenge featuring a camera attachment, a LEGO Spike robot ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) challenge, and an engineering design competition. Teams also presented detailed mission development logs, highlighting their planning process, scientific thinking, and ability to adapt and refine ideas under pressure.
Sequim’s high school team brought home top honors, earning “Best ROV” in their division along with certificates and prizes. Their success reflected not only technical skill but also collaboration and persistence throughout the challenge.
High school team members included Megan Reeves, Olivia Lozano, Carolina Peralta, and Lila Cameron. Students who qualified but were unable to attend the event were Luna Manley and Alex Quinn. Representing the middle school team was Riley Thomas (6th grade), who took on the challenge alongside older peers and contributed to Sequim’s strong showing.
More than medals and awards, the experience gave students a chance to see science and engineering in action beyond the classroom, and to represent Sequim on a larger stage with pride, creativity, and curiosity