On May 7 th , 2025, Portsmouth Naval Shipyard STEM Outreach Program hosted
Marshwood students for a tour. The group visited several departments relating directly
to careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) which allowed
students to ask questions and see real world applications of STEM learning.
The tour started off with a bang (literally!) at the materials testing laboratory where the
students participated in breaking a metal test piece on a tensile tester. Stress strain
curves were discussed as the piece was breaking. Then the students gave their eyes a
lesson in figuring out which oil samples were ready for testing. Once successfully
found, the students used color-changing titration to analyze the oils for acid number,
while discussing acids and bases and the reaction that was occurring inside the beaker.
Through hands on activities, students were able to learn, discuss and visually see the
applications of chemistry right before their eyes!
The Lifting and Handling department took students through the math and physics of
working with cranes and demonstrated some of the types of trainings Shipyard
employees go through in order to learn how to move thousands of pounds across many
different locations and in small spaces like a submarine.
At our Outside Machine Shop, Marshwood students were shown various tools and
procedures that are utilized in the technical career of Machinists. The presenter touched
upon PNSY’s Sub-Safe program and its history. Passing on the tradition and pride of
why safety is at the center of everything we do on the Shipyard. Ensuring that every
submariner who serves on a submarine serviced by Portsmouth Naval Shipyard has a
safe boat to call home.
Finally, the tour ended with a visit to PNSY Heritage Center where historian Joe
Gluckert spoke to the students about the Shipyard’s beginning and our services
throughout the years. Mr. Gluckert highlighted that in 1944 alone, PNSY constructed 32
diesel-powered submarines and at war’s end, was credited with completing 79 newly
constructed submarines. Throughout the tour the students of Marshwood were engaged
and very excited to see the various sections of PNSY. In turn, the Shipyard employees
were excited to show the students the exhilarating ways STEM can be applied in a
working environment.
School tours go to the heart of PNSY’s motto “Proud of our past, ready for the future”.
Showing students, future members of the workforce, how the math and science they are
learning at school is applied in STEM fields and career pathways can have a profound
effect, maybe, even helping them to envision themselves in a similar career.
Authors: Emily Antaya, Joseph Gluckert, Harlan Adams, Isaac Davenport Tiffany
Towning and Kristine Welch.