Building STEM Excitement Online: Bringing Science to Life at VAVA 

When Virginia Virtual Academy (VAVA) invited teachers to sponsor student clubs this year, physics teacher Joy Belk jumped at the chance. After nearly 20 years teaching physics and AP Physics in the classroom, she came to VAVA excited to find new ways to engage students in science – this time, in a fully virtual space. 

“We don’t have a physics club yet, so STEM felt like the perfect fit,” Ms. Belk said. “Science has always been something I’ve been enthusiastic about, and I wanted to bring as many areas of STEM to students as possible.” 

Enter VAVA’s first STEM Club. Ms. Belk co-sponsors the club with fellow teacher, Mr. Bintz, who brings a background in data science and cybersecurity. Together, they’re aiming to build a space that reflects the wide world of STEM. 

What STEM Looks Like Online 

The STEM Club held its first meeting this fall – welcoming two students. Ms. Belk expects student participation will grow quickly as more families learn about it. For now, the small size is a benefit, giving the teachers the chance to design a program that works. 

Their vision? Hands-on STEM experiments students can do from home, with everyday materials or simple items families can pick up easily or already have around the house. 

“You can pick up a lot of good experiment materials at the dollar store,” Ms. Belk said. “Our goal is to do hands-on activities remotely and make STEM feel exciting and accessible, even online.” 

The club meets monthly, and she hopes that as the group grows, they’ll add even more interactive experiences – including the possibility of an in-person field trip in the spring. 

“As a physics person, I immediately think of roller coasters,” she joked. “But really, anything local and hands-on would be amazing.” 

Teaching Physics Online 

Teaching high-level science in a virtual environment comes with both challenges and surprising benefits. 

“The hardest part is labs,” Ms. Belk admitted. “When we’re virtual, we don’t have access to the same physical equipment. But there are great online resources now, like Pivot Interactives, that help students see concepts in action.” 

Ms. Belk teaches physics using a tablet, modeling problem-solving just as she would in a traditional classroom. “It’s not all that different,” she said. “The goal is still to get them interested – to treat problems like puzzles and make physics feel exciting instead of intimidating.” 

From Astronomy to Everyday Curiosity 

Ms. Belk’s love for science extends far beyond the classroom. With a background in astrophysics and astronomy, she still follows current research closely. Recently, she even went comet-hunting. 

“My background is in astronomy, so I stay on top of what’s going on,” she said. “We went out last night trying to see the comet – unsuccessfully,” she laughed. “But I’ll be back out there with a telescope.” 

That curiosity is something she hopes to pass on through the STEM Club. 

STEM Club: Built From the Ground Up 

For Ms. Belk, part of the excitement is building something entirely new. 

“It’s fun because there are no preconceptions about what the club should be,” she said. “Being online removes a few limitations – you don’t have a room with a fire code. We can open this to as many students as want to join.” 

As she and Mr. Bintz settle into their first year at VAVA, they hope to grow the club, connect with more students, and create experiences that spark curiosity. 

“I’d love to see as many kids join us as possible,” Ms. Belk said. “STEM is popular, and I think we’re going to get there.” 

Is Online Learning Right for Your Family? 

Virtual education is one of the many choices out there for your child. Explore Virginia Virtual Academy and discover how our flexible online programs can empower your child to thrive, graduate early, and achieve their goals sooner. Click here to get started today! 

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