HELP US ENGINEER SOMETHING REALLY GREAT...

Transcription

1 HELP US ENGINEER SOMETHING REALLY GREAT... A CHILD S FUTURE.

2 THE NEED Let s face it: There is a severe lack of students entering STEM careers (science, technology, engineering, and math) today in the United States. This is causing us to become less competitive in the world economy. The cause? Studies have shown that a critical factor is the inability of many of our students to even picture themselves working in a STEM field. HOW YOU CAN HELP We ve developed a unique program to help build strong STEM identities in Arizona students. We need STEM professionals like you to volunteer and invest in our children, acting as a mentor while teaming up with teachers across the state. WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE You ll connect with Arizona teachers and students using cutting edge, two-way videoconferencing equipment. Without even leaving your desk, you can help Arizona s kids imagine what it would be like to become a STEM professional. The scheduling is flexible, and could be as simple as answering questions about STEM occupations during a one-time class, or engaging with students a couple of hours on different dates throughout the year to work on a design problem for their campus. The commitment is small, but the impact you ll make is huge.

3 THE GOAL The program requires more than 1,250 volunteer hours per year, so we urgently need your help! The goal of the program is to support students in building a STEM identity through constructive interactions with STEM professional role models. TRAINING SCHEDULE A one hour training class at MCESA will prepare you to work with students in the Interactive Video Lab at 4041 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85012, 11th Floor. Volunteers can register for one of the specific dates below at September 16, 2014 September 17, 2014 September 24, 2014 September 25, 2014 October 07, 2014 October 08, :30am - 8:30am 4:00pm - 5:00pm 7:30am - 8:30am 4:00pm - 5:00pm 7:30am - 8:30am 4:00pm - 5:00pm COMMITMENT By joining us, you ll be committing to interact with students just once or twice a month, for about an hour each time. No travel is necessary. Of course we would be delighted if you could spare more time, but even a modest commitment will make a signficant and valuable contribution to our program. HOW TO SIGN UP For more information, contact Gale Beauchamp at or by at gale.beauchamp@mcesa.maricopa.gov. FAQ S If you cannot attend one of the above trainings, contact Gale Beauchamp at for a convenient time.

4 ENGAGEMENT WITH STUDENTS Become a Role Model This is your chance to really inspire a diverse group of students. You are going to love answering student questions, sharing your personal story of how you became involved in STEM, and describing the possible career opportunities available in STEM fields. Support Teachers and Students in Answering Questions with a STEM Design Project You will provide support in content expertise, and guidance for teachers during the lesson design process. Provide feedback in designing solutions for authentic campus needs, while making connections to STEM occupations This rubber-meets-the-road approach transforms classroom theory into real-world experiences for the students. Each of these opportunities is a chance for you to make a meaningful impact on the lives of the teachers and students of Arizona, and we guarantee you ll love the experience! All Professional STEM volunteers will always be working with a Teacher Expert/ Business Liason facilitating the interaction with the students.

5 What age group are the students? The ESI STEM program connects you with middle school students. Their ages vary from 12- to 15-years old. How long does the ESI program last and when can I begin? The program begins in August 2014, and continues through the school year, for a total of three years. You can join the program anytime. We would love it if you could be part of the program from the start, but know that your participation will be welcomed anytime. Will you provide training to assist me in interacting with the students about engineering? Absolutely! We have monthly training sessions beginning September 16, 2014, reoccurring approximately every two weeks. Will the kids be well behaved when I am interacting with them? The teachers participating in this program will be responsible to specifically manage student behavior. The students are very excited about this opportunity and will be enthusiastic and cooperative. My work schedule is always different. How flexible will you be with scheduling? We are very flexible with your schedule. We will plan your interactions with classrooms around your schedule and availability. What kinds of problems will the students be working on? The students will be working on relevant engineering projects that will make a difference on their own campus. Some examples might be redesigning the tables in the cafeteria to improve flow during lunch, or designing a more efficient drinking fountain.

6 ESI Cohorts - District Addresses NORTH Aguila School District N. 514th Avenue Aguila, AZ Morristown Elementary District Rockaway Hills Dr. Morristown, AZ Nadaburg Unified School District N. Central St. Wittman, AZ WEST Arlington Elementary School District 9410 S 355th Ave Arlington, AZ Saddle Mountain Unified School District W. Indian School Road Tonopah, AZ CENTRAL Balsz Elementary District 4825 East Roosevelt Street Phoenix, AZ Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community Schools 4827 N. Country Club Drive Scottsdale, AZ Tolleson Elementary District 9401 W. Garfield Road Tolleson, AZ SOUTH Mobile Elementary District S. 99th Avenue Maricopa, AZ Paloma School District W. I-8 Gila Bend, AZ 85337