NSTEP Launches Initiative to Advance Science and Technology Education in Elementary Schools
Posted on: Tuesday, 22 November 2005, 03:02 CST
By Anonymous
The National Science & Technology Education Partnership (NSTEP), the leading education foundation for the U.S. high-tech industry, has launched the Youth Exploring Technology Initiative, designed to improve science and technology education. Through the initiative, NSTEP is bringing its online technology mentoring program, TechXplore, to elementary schools in the District of Columbia and surrounding communities in Maryland and Northern Virginia.
TechXplore is a proven technology education and mentoring program that has engaged middle and high school classrooms, science and technology clubs, and after-school programs across the country to spark young peoples' interest in their studies of science and technology and inspire them in the pursuit of related careers. But while outcomes indicate that youth participating in TechXplore develop greater interest in and readiness for science and technology careers, studies show a growing need to engage the minds and fire the imaginations of students at an earlier age to create a sustained interest in further education and careers in these areas. In response to this need, NSTEP has created an elementary school component for TechXplore. By extending participation in TechXplore to younger students, NSTEP intends to help speed up the pace at which the declining achievement among youth in science and technology and the shortage of students pursuing advanced studies in math, science, technology, and engineering are addressed.
Designed as a partnership between the business and education communities to develop tomorrow's technology leaders, TechXplore pairs experts from high-tech companies and other businesses with teams of students to help young people explore cutting-edge technology, examine its real-world uses, and understand its benefits. Teams are challenged with conceptualizing a technology solution to a realworld problem or a quality-of-life issue. Mentors help students link classroom concepts with real-world business issues, guide their thinking as they develop solutions, and help them gain awareness of science and technology careers.
This year's elementary school TechXplore program is being dedicated to fifth grade classrooms in Washington, DC, Southern Maryland, and Northern Virginia. Student teams participating in the first annual Washington Metro Area TechXplore Competition and Mentoring Program for Elementary Schools will work with mentors from January through May and will be recognized locally and through the national TechXplore program at the end of the school year. Technology professionals interested in participating as mentors are urged to contact Marie Wiggins at NSTEP, (703) 907-7431 or via e- mail at marie.wiggins@nationalstep.org. Find out more about the TechXplore program at www.techxplore.org/.
Copyright International Technology Education Association Nov 2005
Source: Technology Teacher, The
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