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STEPS (Science, Technology and Engineering Preview Summer) Academies hosted in Ohio high and middle schools

Beginning in June, the Education Foundation of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) funded nine one-week Project Lead the Way (PLTW) pre-engineering academies at Ohio middle and high schools across the state, including schools in Canton, Columbus, Marion, and Logan in Southeast Ohio.  Teachers already trained in PLTW were utilized as instructors, and students beginning middle school in the fall were encouraged to participate in the camps.  Student projects included doing computer dimensioning and design which helped them design and build a glider, and building a remotely controlled car. Some students built rockets, which they then fired into “space”.  “(STUDENT QUOTES)   

Bart Aslin, the SME Education Foundation Director, was pleased with the recent tour taken of one of the academies at Buckeye Middle School in Columbus.  “The academies were designed to be a fun, interactive, hands-on learning experience that will excite young people about math, science, engineering and technology,” Aslin said.  “The instructor and other adults who interacted with the students believe that we have accomplished this goal.  We’re happy about that.” 

Laurie Maxson, the national director for the STEPS program, visited Buckeye Middle School with Mr. Aslin.  She was also impressed with what she saw, particularly during a field trip visit to the Edison Welding Institute.  “I thought the students were engaged and enthusiastic about the activities they were doing.”  Maxson said.  “they had a great time on the field trip—they enjoyed hearing from the engineers, learning about different careers and doing hands-on activities with lasers.”

Both Laurie Maxson and Bart Aslin are looking forward to next summer.  “I was quite impressed with how Ohio has embraced the STEPS Academies” said Laurie.   “We are looking forward to expanding the STEPS Academies to more schools in Ohio next summer.”