Triangle Coalition Electronic Bulletin

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SIEMENS WE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD CHALLENGE

ANNOUNCES 2011 GRAND PRIZE WINNING TEAMS

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The Siemens Foundation, Discovery Education, the College Board, and Triangle Coalition member, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), have announced the grand prize winners of the third annual Siemens We Can Change the World Challenge. Adding a high school division this year, the national Challenge aims to empower young people to create solutions to today's environmental problems. Nearly 18,000 elementary, middle school, and high school students competed in the Challenge. This year's projects addressed a wide variety of topics, ranging from recycling old trophies to stopping radon gas from entering homes to harvesting usable energy using a microturbine. Under the mentorship of their teacher, the elementary teams identified an environmental issue in their classroom or school, while middle school students worked in teams of 2-4 students, also under the guidance of a mentor, to identify an environmental issue in their community. High school students were specifically challenged with identifying an energy-related issue that has local, national, and global implications, and creating a sustainable solution that can be replicated around the globe. All levels researched their issue using scientific investigation and created a replicable green solution using web-based curriculum tools powered by Discovery Education.

The Grand Prize High School Winner was Team "T.E.A.M.S." from West Branch, IA. They conducted an energy audit of their high school and found many areas for improvement. At the middle school level, the Grand Prize Winners from team "6,000 n 60" at Kohala Middle School in Kapaau, HI, undertook a household battery recycling effort to collect 6,000 batteries (the approximate population of North Kohala) in 60 days. The Grand Prize Elementary School Winner was Team "Passe/Herring" from Charlotte, NC. The team focused their project on reducing paper waste. The high school grand prize-winning team will receive an equal share of a $50,000 scholarship and a chance to present their project at the United Nations. Each member of the middle school grand prize-winning team will receive a $10,000 Savings Bond, a Discovery Adventures trip to Costa Rica and a pocket video camera to capture their trip. Elementary school winners earn a $5,000 grant, a Discovery Education assembly, in addition to a Siemens We Can Change the World prize pack. For more information, visit to www.wecanchange.com.    

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NATIONAL MATH AND SCIENCE INITIATIVE PARTNERS WITH LEADING TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE COMPANIES ON NATIONAL STEM EDUCATION PROGRAM

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The National Math and Science Initiative (NMSI) and AP Strategies (APS) have announced a $1.3 million grant and formal partnership with a consortium of Texas and international companies that are leaders in the development and operation of private-sector transportation infrastructure. The five-year grant will fund implementation of the nationally recognized and highly successful Advanced Placement Training & Initiative Program (APTIP), a program that dramatically increases U.S. student achievement in Advanced Placement math and science courses. Three high schools in north and central Texas – each affiliated with a specific, major Texas roadway project currently under construction – will participate in the grant. "This unprecedented financial commitment from the transportation infrastructure development industry represents a significant, long-term investment in the future of our state's workforce," said Tom Luce, CEO of NMSI and former U.S. Assistant Secretary of Education. "In today's global, high-tech economy, proficiency in math and science are essential: Eight of ten jobs of the future will require a background in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)."

NMSI's national AP program is based on a proven model that was developed in 1999 by Dallas-based AP Strategies, which will administer the program in the three new schools, in addition to 61 other schools across 15 districts in the state of Texas. The program utilizes a combination of intensive teacher training, open enrollment, preparatory classes for students and financial incentives for teachers and students to boost student achievement. In the last two years, the APTIP has produced a 97 percent increase in AP math, science, and English exams passed by students in participating schools -- seven times the national average. In addition, the number of AP exams passed by participating minority and female students has increased 155 percent and 116 percent, respectively. NMSI was launched in 2007 by top leaders in business, education, and science to reverse the United States' troubling decline in math and science education. For more information, visit www.NationalMathandScience.org.      

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BOOKER T. WASHINGTON HIGH SCHOOL WINS RACE

TO THE TOP COMMENCEMENT CHALLENGE

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The White House has announced that Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, TN is the winner of the 2011 Race to the Top High School Commencement Challenge. Vice President Joseph Biden called Principal Alisha Kiner to tell her the school had won, and that President Obama would deliver the school's commencement address on May 16. "I'm so proud of the schools that participated in this year's commencement challenge and I want to thank all of them for their hard work and dedication," said President Obama. "Booker T. Washington High School proves what can be accomplished when students, teachers, parents, and administrators come together to support achievement in the classroom and I'm looking forward to delivering the commencement address at this extraordinary school soon." Booker T. Washington High School's graduation rate went from 55% in 2007 to 81.6% in 2010. The school has taken steps such as establishing separate freshmen academies for boys and girls to help students adjust to the school culture and creating an atmosphere where teachers take personal interest in seeing students take pride in their schoolwork. Students can now take AP classes, learn about engineering through robotics competitions, and earn college credits.

The President set a goal of having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020 and the Commencement Challenge invited the nation's public high schools to submit applications that demonstrate their commitment to preparing students for college and a career. Hundreds of applications were received and were judged based on the schools' performance, essay questions, and supplemental data. The six finalists were selected for their creativity in engaging and supporting students, academic results, and progress in preparing students to graduate college and career ready. A video of the President's commencement address can be viewed on the White House's website.    

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EXPLORAVISION ANNOUNCES 2011 NATIONAL WINNERS

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Future scientists and inventors from Kindergarten to 12th grade envision a future where the world's energy may literally "grow on trees," where blind and deaf people could regain their eyesight and hearing through "bionic" organ transplants, and soldiers would benefit from a new type of combat helmet to protect against life-threatening explosions. These are just some of the winning student projects announced by the 19th annual Toshiba/National Science Teachers Association ExploraVision Awards Program. The program's eight National Winners for 2011, including four First Place and four Second Place student teams, envisioned new technologies that could make the future more environmentally-friendly, healthier, and safer.

Sponsored by Toshiba and administered by Triangle Coalition member, the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), the ExploraVision program challenges students to design innovative technologies that could exist in 20 years. The program will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2012, and since its inception, more than 287,000 students have participated. Toshiba has awarded more than $2.5 million worth of savings bonds and prizes. This year, the program received 4,346 team entries representing the participation of 13,387 students from across the US and Canada. With its multi-level, imaginative, and fun approach to learning, ExploraVision appeals to a broad range of students of all interest, skill, and ability levels, encouraging education in vital STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. The program has become so popular as an educational tool that many teachers now use it as part of their regular science and technology curriculum, and for many former ExploraVision winners, the program has served as encouragement to pursue further science-related careers. Find out more at www.exploravision.org.  

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NCTM HONORS KLOTZ AND KRULIK WITH

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION

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Triangle Coalition member, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), has presented Mathematics Education Trust (MET) Lifetime Achievement Awards for Distinguished Service to Mathematics Education to Eugene A. Klotz and Stephen Krulik. This award honors those who over a lifetime have contributed significantly to mathematics education through their leadership, teaching, and service at the national level. Since the award's inception in 1994, MET has honored 41 individuals. Eugene Klotz of Swarthmore, PA, was among the first to realize the potential of technology to support mathematics learning, and for years his projects have incorporated the newest technology while looking ahead at emerging technology and its possibilities. Stephen Krulik of Boynton Beach, FL, was a driving force at Temple University, where he taught for more than 40 years, and he has shared his passion and knowledge about mathematics through hundreds of presentations and in numerous publications spanning five decades.

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics is a public voice of mathematics education, supporting teachers to ensure equitable mathematics learning of the highest quality for all students through vision, leadership, professional development, and research. With more than 100,000 members and 230 Affiliates, NCTM is the world's largest organization dedicated to improving mathematics education in prekindergarten through grade 12. More details are at www.nctm.org. 

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18 U.S. SCHOOLS NAMED INTEL SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION FINALISTS

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Intel Corporation has named 18 U.S. schools as finalists in the 2011 Intel Schools of Distinction Awards (SODA). .The winning schools, to be honored in September at an awards reception in Washington, D.C., serve as outstanding examples of leaders in preparing tomorrow's innovators. Each of the 18 schools will receive a $5,000 award from the Intel Foundation and a trip to Washington, D.C. in September, when six schools will be named Intel Schools of Distinction. These six schools will each win an additional $5,000 from the Intel Foundation and a package of goods and services valued at approximately $100,000. The package will include hardware, software, and teacher professional development products, all contributed by award sponsors which share Intel's commitment to improving and supporting math and science education in the United States. One of the six schools will also be selected as "Star Innovator" and will receive $25,000 from the Intel Foundation, and additional prizes and services from sponsors.

Intel sponsors the Schools of Distinction Awards to honor schools for implementing innovative math and science programs and serving as models for other schools. "It is essential that U.S. schools invest in quality math and science education," said Shelly Esque, vice president of Intel's Corporate Affairs Group and president of the Intel Foundation. The Schools of Distinction honors schools in science which provide a rich science curriculum incorporating hands-on investigative experiences which prepare students for 21st century jobs. Programs encourage student achievement in sciences and engineering, while simultaneously helping students become knowledgeable consumers of news and data in order to be active and informed citizens. The Schools of Distinction honors schools in mathematics which offer their students a rigorous, challenging, and engaging program which teaches mathematics skills and how to apply them to solve real-life problems, approach projects as a member of a team and communicate succinctly on the subject. More details are at www.intel.com/education/schoolsofdistinction.

To find out how your organization can sponsor the TCEB or support the Triangle Coalition in other ways, visit www.trianglecoalition.org/support.htm

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The TCEB is a newsletter provided to members of the Triangle Coalition. Triangle Coalition members may forward individual articles or the issue in its entirety to internal member lists, providing that credit is given to the Triangle Coalition, and contact information is included in any republication.
Member organizations that choose to redistribute the TCEB internally must provide an electronic method for these additional recipients to be removed from the member organization's mailing list.

For TCEB subscription or membership information, contact:
Triangle Coalition for Science and Technology Education
1840 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 201
Arlington, VA 22201
Phone: 800-582-0115
Fax: 703-516-5969
E-mail: tricoal@triangle-coalition.org
URL: www.trianglecoalition.org
To submit information for possible inclusion in TCEB, contact tcebeditor@aol.com

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