Students from across the D.C. region participated in "X-STEM NOVA," a free, conference-style event geared toward engaging students in science, technology, engineering, and math topics. 

The NOAA team presented on the definition and impacts of marine debris, and students conducted experiments and hands-on activities focused on buoyancy, entanglement, and ingestion of debris. The session concluded with an opportunity for students to share pledges for ways they can prevent pollution. Other activities from the conference included “Escape from Measurement Island,” presentations from the Air Force Office of Research, and a keynote from science communicator Maynard Okereke, better known as the Hip Hop M.D.