District and key partners provide applied learning and hands-on demonstrations in STEM careers
EAGLE, CO Eagle County Schools announced today that it will be hosting a day-long event on April 6, 2018 providing experiential learning in key STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) career fields. Planned and delivered by a collaboration of organizations working in these fields, the event will utilize the facilities at the district’s Battle Mountain High School campus, as well as Eagle County Regional Airport and Colorado Mountain College in Edwards.
The learning concept is focused on inspirational technology demonstrations led by motivated and passionate team members who can relate experiences and demonstrate basic concepts of technology in their career area to inspire students for STEM careers. The district required interested middle and high school students to apply to participate in this day of learning and all 350 students who applied will be taking part. The event is focused on encouraging students to dream big about future career opportunities in five key industries: Advanced Manufacturing, Aviation, Cybersecurity, Space Exploration and Robotics.
Dr. Rob Fredell, President and CEO for the Challenger Learning Center in Colorado Springs, will conduct two simulated space e-missions with 50 pre-selected students who will are studying about space missions and completing pre-event schoolwork prior to participating in the e-missions.
There will also be manned aircraft flight orientations to give students first-hand experience flying planes and exposure to concepts related to aeronautics. Students will study basic flight controls and experience the thrill of aviation with the pilot. The flight orientations will be conducted by Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Denver, Colorado. Flights will be conducted by the Wings Teacher Flight Orientation Program and flown from Eagle County Regional Airport.
The Colorado National Guard will also participate with aviation focused displays of helicopters at the high school, as well as providing students with information about National Guard service, education, and training opportunities.
The STEM/EXPO event is a massive collaboration of partners focused on providing students with both hands-on and theoretical knowledge in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math. In addition to Eagle County Schools, the event hosts are Colorado Mountain College and Eagle County Regional Airport. Event organizers are the Colorado Workforce Center and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade. Organizations providing direct learning experiences and facilitation are The Challenger Center, Colorado National Guard, University of Colorado-Boulder, Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum, Metro State University, Colorado School of Mines and the Academy of Model Aeronautic.
The event is closed to the public.
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Eagle County Schools is a nationally respected and award-winning Colorado school district serving nearly 6,900 students. With tremendous support from the community, the district has created a variety of progressive learning environments to meet the diverse needs of students and parents. Leading the nation in education reform, many proven practices of Eagle County Schools are included in new state and national initiatives, including professional development for teachers and principals, student centered project based learning, and the implementation of curriculum standards based on international benchmarking. For more details visit www.eagleschools.net.