HiTECCC Event Spotlights STEM Careers for Students and Families

October 27, 2008

The viewing of veins, a close look at slime, discussions about the color of fireworks, and information about crime scene investigations were all part of an educational evening held on October 20 for three schools in Plano ISD. Students at Bowman and Armstrong Middle Schools and Williams High School and their families were invited to attend the event at Williams which showcased STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) careers.

Texas Instruments' Gina Park demonstrated TI's DLP® Technology Vein Viewer for Nathaniel James, a seventh grader at Bowman Middle School. The high tech machine is used by doctors offices and hospitals.

The family night was hosted for the second year by the High Technology Education Coalition of Collin County (HiTECCC) and the Sci-Tech Discovery Center. Members of the HiTECCC Coalition are the University of Texas at Dallas, Collin College, Plano ISD, Cisco, Nortel, Raytheon and Texas Instruments. The Sci-Tech Discovery Center is a science technology and math non-profit initiative established by the Junior League of Plano.

During the evening, students participated in fun, entertaining and educational hands-on technology, science and math experiences.

There were also technology exhibits and information available about college scholarships and preparation.

Lorena Ibañez congratulated her daughter Johanna for making "slime" at one of many booths sponsored by HiTECCC coalition members. UTD student Amanda Bui (background) was among hosts for the popular activity, helping participants mix polyvinyl alcohol and Borax to make the gooey concoction.

Exhibits included the “DLP® Technology Vein Viewer,” “UTD Slime” and “MathMovesU.” Presentations included topics such as “The Color of Fireworks,” “Fun with Air,” “Own the Night” and “Crime Scene Investigation." Dr. John Sibert of UTD spoke about “A World of Science: Curiosity, Literacy, and Discovery.”

Deborah James, mother of Bowman Middle School seventh grader Nathaniel James, said that her son "counted down the days" to attend his second HiTECCC event. Nathaniel emphasized his need to incorporate mathematics into the creation of video games that he makes using Alice 2.0 software. A school club at Bowman, CHAMPS, peaked his interest in the hobby.

Bowman Middle School sixth grade students worked diligently to "build a bridge" during a HiTECCC daytime engineering activity in their classroom.

Odetta Murray, a Raytheon program engineer, who helped answer students' and families' questions at the company's booth, which touted its "mathmovesu.com" program, said, "Our company targets sixth through eighth grade students, providing learning opportunities and scholarships." Speaking of her interest in engineering, she said, "We're here to help engage others to go down that path, then we'll all be more successful."

Torrence Robinson, director of public affairs at Texas Instruments, said, “Science, technology, engineering, and math education is important for students who expect to compete in a competitive global marketplace. This HiTECCC event is a strategy to motivate students, families, and the broader community to equip themselves with information that will lead to success.”

Dr. Doug Otto, superintendent of schools, stated, “The district appreciates all of the industry participation in organizing this event and HiTECCC’s ongoing commitment to promoting STEM careers to Plano ISD students. Our students must begin early to prepare for the future. This program provided resources for these middle school and high school students to learn more about STEM careers."

Student Jordan Anwer and his mom Susan had fun with Scott Wenger at Raytheon's booth, where Jordan powered a NASA robot. Mr. Wenger and his associates presented "Own the Night" at the HiTECCC event, a workshop on thermal night sight / infrared technology.

Dr. Otto continued, "This activity, along with other information listed on the University Ready (UR) Ready website at ur.pisd.eduwill ensure that students and parents are well-informed.” Door prizes concluded the evening's activities and included the following:

• Sci-Tech Discovery Center: Sony Cybershot Digital Camera and Sony DSD player
• SMU Guildhall: PC Games
• Plano ISD: Lava Lamp
• Texas Instruments: TI 84 Calculators
• Raytheon: for bridge building contest first and second place winners: Gift Cards Best Buy and Target
• Raytheon: 10 IPOD Shuffles