The Universities at Shady Grove (USG) and Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) hosted the 3rd annual Journeys in Engineering, Technology, and Science (JETS) event on Saturday, December 3rd at USG. The day of hands-on learning attracted a crowd of 400 MCPS middle school students and 300 parents, aiming to energize attendees about careers in the areas of bioscience and medicine, engineering and environmental science, and computer technology.
The event included stimulating presentations from two travelling science education shows, technical presentations with interactive learning, and an expo of exhibitors showcasing education and career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
“Reaching students at an early age will help ensure that they are engaged in science curriculum, pursue science and technology education at the post-secondary level, and go on to choose STEM careers,” said Dr. Stewart Edelstein, Executive Director, the Universities at Shady Grove. “The future of our economy is dependent on a highly-skilled, technical workforce and USG is proud to work with our education and business partners to lead this initiative today.”
| View the JETS Day slideshow! Pictures are available for download at flickr.com/uatshadygrove |
Dr. Joshua Starr, Superintendant of MCPS, and Dr. Frieda Lacey, Deputy Superintendant of MCPS, greeted students and parents with opening remarks. A gathering of fifty industry leaders, USG university partners, and high schools participated in presentations and demonstrations throughout the day.
Start with a Bang
The day began with two general sessions to set the tone for a high-energy day of learning. The “Mad Science, Spectacular Science Show!,” a local production dedicated to science education, engaged the crowd with indoor fireworks, bubbling potions, and an explanation of the scientific process. The “Physics is Phun Sound and Light” show, presented by the University of Maryland, College Park Department of Physics, wowed students and parents with illusions, mirror tricks, ultraviolet rays and sound waves.
A World of Possibilities
Twenty-five technical presenters, including industry leaders and faculty from USG’s partner universities, offered interactive lessons related to biology, robotics, computer programming, and engineering. Favorites included Discovery Education’s Keep it Up!, which challenged students to erect a bridge or building with blocks and observe how it performs in a simulated earthquake. Others were amazed by Make a Necklace Out of Your Own DNA!, a session led by Towson University's Center for STEM Excellence which provided students with a souvenir of their own DNA in a tiny flask. Presenters also included National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), and Human Genome Sciences.
The day wrapped up with the STEM Pathways Expo, an open exhibit hall, featuring interactive demonstrations from NASA Goddard, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman, plus Montgomery College and several local high schools.
JETS Essay Contest
Ellen Quinn, JETS Event Chair, Quality Programs Director at Northrop Grumman, and member of the USG Board of Advisors, announced the 2011 Essay Contest Winners at the event. Mary Abbott, Shraeya Madhu, Omar Musa, and William Quan were selected as winners from 40 submissions which outlined students’ interest in science and the creative problems they wish to solve. Winners received registration for science camp at Montgomery College or the University of Maryland, College Park this summer. Abbott, the grand prize winner, took home a new iPod Touch.