Continuing the annual tradition, the U.S. Army Medical Research and Materiel Command's Strategic Planning Office participated in Kid's Day at the Great Frederick Fair Sept. 23.

This year the team highlighted the importance of stopping viruses and germs with proper hand washing techniques.

"We are using a powder that effectively demonstrates how germs spread. Kids and their parents sprinkle the powder on their hands and then use hand wipes to clean their hands," said Michael Sandridge, USAMRMC educational consultant. "Residual 'simulated germs' then show up a brilliant white under UV black light"

The team hopes this demonstration will illustrate the importance of hand washing as a way to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses, as well as call attention to the sterile practices used in scientific laboratories across the country, such as the USAMRMC's laboratories at Fort Detrick.

The USAMRMC ensures that the U.S. Armed Forces remain in optimal health and are equipped to protect themselves from disease and injury, and much of its work also impacts public health. Some of the work being developed in USAMRMC laboratories includes vaccines for malaria and the Ebola virus.

USAMRMC leadership understands the importance of raising children's interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. Kids interested in STEM activities today are the future scientists and engineers that the Army needs to stay at the forefront of innovative scientific discovery. The USAMRMC SPO team designs activities, like the hand washing demonstration at the fair, that make STEM exciting and fun.

"We want to engage the students in a unique and fun way that piques their interest in STEM," said SPO Director Lt. Col. Felicia Langel.

Throughout the year, the USAMRMC SPO supports and coordinates various research, education, internship and practical experiences designed to engage and guide students as well as teachers in STEM.

To learn more about the STEM opportunities offered by the USAMRMC SPO, visit http://stem.amedd.army.mil/index.cfm/opportunities.