STEMinars occur early in the school year in cooperation with the University of Tsukuba in the “Science City” of Tsukuba, Japan and focuses on DoDEA Pacific and University of Tsukuba Faculty and staff helping students explore, understand, and explain the world around us by engaging in an intensive one-week” deep dive” into an academic area of interest of the student’s choice. Primary importance is placed on the acquisition of scientific, technological, engineering, and mathematical knowledge and the application of this knowledge to solve real issues through the completion of a study/project as part of a rigorous research process.  The focus of the students’ time at the STEMinar is on the creation of a viable research proposal that can then be conducted throughout the remaining school year, under the guidance of a qualified mentor, with the expectation that the finished research project will then be presented at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium held in Tsukuba City, Japan (the following March). Students may submit applications to work with highly respected University of Tsukuba faculty members from a variety of academic disciplines. While they may vary slightly each year, the major areas a student may concentrate on are: Environmental Science, Engineering, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Earth Science, Life Sciences, Medicine and Health, Behavioral and Social Sciences, Mathematics, and Computer Science/Computer Engineering.  For a comprehensive list of academic disciplines one may design a study in for as an attendee at a Far East STEMinar, please read the National Student Guidelines. For more information on on JSHS visit www.JSHS.org.