Odyssey Overview
The Bohn-Meyer Math & Science Odyssey is a one-day, science and mathematics experience for 8th grade students in California's Antelope Valley. This annual event began in 1999, established by NASA Dryden Flight Research Center and Antelope Valley College (AVC). It has grown into a community effort and is coordinated through the Math, Science, Engineering, and Technology (MSET) Consortium. Each year a member of the MSET Consortium takes the lead in planning the event in collaboration with AVC, with sponsorship provided by local businesses, industry and governmental organizations.
The goal of the Math & Science Odyssey is to encourage students to continue their math and science studies by participating in a project competition and workshops conducted by educators and professionals whose careers involve mathematics and science. About 250 students from more than 20 area schools are chosen to attend the event, which is held on the AVC campus.
The theme for last year’s event was “Mojave Winds” . Eighth graders who participated in the odyssey formed a team to design and build a device from scratch that would measure the speed and direction of the wind. The device was designed and built in the weeks prior to the Math and Science Odyssey. The devices were presented to the judges and other students at the Odyssey on January 26, 2007. The device was not allowed to be built using any electronics or electrical components, or items previously part of a wind measuring device. Edwards Middle School took home both awards for Best Technical Report and Most Accurate Project.
Each student attended three different sessions selected from more than 20 workshops conducted throughout the day. The workshops are designed to be fun and informative while allowing students to interact with professionals in fields such as aerospace, medicine, veterinary science, biotechnology, and computer graphics. The event also featured individuals from educational and workforce communities speaking during assemblies that are open to all Odyssey participants.