Tech Directions - March 2008 - (Page 26)

are working hard to create a better educational experience for students out of the wreckage of a destructive hurricane. science and math applications as well as a training ground for STEMbased activities. Training Teachers An important part of the Resource Center’s mission is to support the professional development and training needs of science and mathematics teachers who are new to the STEM concept. The philosophy behind STEM-based instruction contends that the demonstration of the pragmatic value of science and math skills through actual technology and engineering applications is a more successful teaching method because it encourages students to think about how to use math and science concepts rather than simply committing the material to memory. However, for teachers who are familiar and quite comfortable with teaching math and science from a purely academic perspective, such a change in teaching methods can be intimidating and difficult without the proper training. The Resources Center gives teachers access to the instructional materials and professional development tools they need to make the transition from a strictly “bookbased” teaching method to an application-oriented style of learning. The New Orleans Public Schools system has provided math and science teachers with laptop computers and engineering software, as well as professional development tools, so they can learn to feel comfortable with the STEM approach. When the Resources Center is fully operational, schools will be able to access materials through a system of sharing. For example, one school may use a Full Option Science Systems kit for an application activity. When the school is finished with the kit, it returns the kit to the Resources Center for refilling. From there, another school can then sign out the kit. The Resources Center will function as a lending library for Educating Engineers Who Can Help Rebuild The advancement in the math and science curricula in the New Orleans Public Schools manifests itself through a growing level of rigor in STEM-based instruction in the classroom, increased use of CAD software, and a greater emphasis on the formation of robotics teams. Participation in robotics teams and competitions is an important afterschool activity that gets students interested in science and math and provides a productive, school-related diversion. Before Hurricane Katrina hit, there were just four robotics teams in the entire New Orleans district. Today, there are five teams in the much smaller functioning district, a new team in St. Charles Parish, and a new team in Jefferson Parish. We have nearly doubled student participation in robotics in the area despite the greatly diminished number of students. The truly exciting development is that because our Robotics team students use 3D CAD software as students now have part of the school’s robotics class. access to 3D CAD one day will graduate and go on to software, they can use the computer become the engineers and scientists to develop robotics designs and that will help to rebuild one of acquire real-world training and expeAmerica’s great cities. rience while working on something that’s fun and compelling. New Orleans art teachers have even taken Editor’s note: The photograph on advantage of the 3D CAD training. page 23 was taken by Jeanne Other STEM initiatives in the New Brooks, librarian, whose school was Orleans Public Schools include the destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. development of a for-credit engiThey're hoping the new building neering class that high school stuwill be ready for the start of school dents will be able to take in conjuncin the fall. Their needs are many. If tion with the robotics club; the inyou might be able to help, contact corporation of CAD software usage her at jbrooks@hancock.k12.ms.us. in the career-technical, physics, and math classes; and the integration of science, engineering, and robotics content with artistic and conceptual design instruction. The district is examining every opportunity to show and teach students about the practical applications of math and science as a means for generating greater interest and providing hands-on experience. Hurricane Katrina was without doubt the most destructive and debilitating calamity to ever strike the City of New Orleans. Much life and property was lost, and the storm produced immeasurable pain, sorrow, and misery across the city. But New Orleans, its people, and its schools are committed to rebounding from the catastrophe. With the help of many around the country and world, the New Orleans Public Schools now has a betterequipped, more focused STEMbased program that serves as a beacon of hope and an avenue of growth for the young people who 26 techdirections ◆ MARCH 2008

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Tech Directions - March 2008 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers HDTV—Understanding the New, Dealing with the Old Technical Studies Lead to Dream Career Fill and Fund Your CAD Classroom with These Exciting Strategies STEM Progress in Katrina’s Wake School Web Site of the Month Spring Spotlight More than Fun

Tech Directions - March 2008

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