Igniting STEM career options
STEMersion program helps teachers identify work skills needed for students
Sparks flew as Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Schools teachers learned how to weld
during a recent visit to Central Piedmont
Community College (CPCC) Harper
Campus. Teachers were also introduced
to different aspects of the construction
industry and applied-technology areas.
Each year, 50 middle and high school
teachers participate in the district’s
two-week STEMersion program. They
learn how employees at various local
organizations use science, technology,
engineering and math skills on the job.
They also learn about the resources
available outside CMS. Reginald Harris,
an academic coordinator at Renaissance
at Olympic High, said the resources
could help him and others develop
curriculum and guide students toward
apprenticeships, internships and other workplace learning opportunities.
“This is an amazing program. I’m learning so many hands-on ways to teach
my content,” said Dhira-Mae Brown, a Vance High science teacher.
Brown and Alice Christian, a career and technical education (CTE) business
teacher from Mallard Creek High, were in a group tasked with turning an
idea into a finished project. The project had to include a budget, heating,
ventilation and air conditioning, electrical, design and construction. They
chose to make a portable solar charging station.
”I like being able to collaborate with teachers from other schools. It’s a great
way to share ideas,” said Christian. “These are principles I can take and use
in my classroom.”
Jasmine Hines, the CPCC program coordinator, said construction technologies
require not only hands-on skills, but more importantly, critical thinking,
problem solving, good communication and emotional intelligence.
Construction is a diverse, versatile, and high-demand industry. STEMersion
provides insight into industry opportunities that will ultimately benefit CMS
students.
Teachers also toured the design labs.
They found out about different careers
in graphic arts and imaging technology.
Instructor Zachary Blackburn talked
about opportunities in flexography, a
major process used to print packaging
materials.
“There is always a need for high-quality
packaging,” said Blackburn. “Printing
includes product labels, food cartons,
bags, signage and promotional materials.
There are a lot of opportunities in the
field.”
Carol Graham, a West Charlotte High
CTE career development coordinator,
was most surprised to learn about
Harper’s non-destructive examination
program. Non-destructive examination
(NDE) allows inspection of a material
or part without damaging the intended
usefulness of the component. The methods are used to find hidden
indications of potential flaws. These are then compared to standards to
determine if the part can continue in service. NDE is often a routine part of
design, manufacturing and in-service testing.
“We host STEMersion because teachers are our best advocates. We
strengthen our industry when instructors walk away fired up with tools
and techniques they can use in the classroom to enhance their students’
experience,” said Hines.
CPCC Harper was one of 19 host sites, which represented healthcare,
software, finance, energy, advanced manufacturing, engineering and
technology industries. The other participating organizations were Central
Piedmont Community College (CPCC), Groninger, Livingston & Haven,
Skookum, Premier Inc., TIAA, XEROX, Daetwyler, Piedmont Natural Gas,
Charlotte Motor Speedway, Duke Engergy, Cardinal Innovations Healthcare,
Red Ventures, Data Chambers, HQ Charlotte at Packard Place, Bosch Rexroth,
Peak 10, Tech Talent South and Siemens.
- See more at: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/Igniting-STEM-career-options.
aspx#sthash.JM1IlXF8.dpuf
Parent Teacher News • September/October 2016 • 12