We all know science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are drivers of our economy. They form the nexus for launching lucrative careers that belong not to a distant future, but are “here and now”.

In recent years STEM has gained considerable attention on the local and national level. Then too, STEM is not a “new” term. According to a study conducted by Enterprise Florida Inc., “more and more jobs will require basic understanding of scientific and mathematical principles, and/or problem-solving skills developed through STEM coursework.” As the economic rudder shifts towards a knowledge-based economy, the need for a dynamic and well-educated workforce equipped in STEM-related skills has assumed great prominence.

Rob Weinberg, district resource teacher for career and technical education curriculum and STEM initiatives at the School District of Hillsborough County in Florida observes “when students are detached from STEM, the idea of innovation inevitably diminishes.” He says the shift in focus can be attributed to a deficiency in the number of individuals actively engaged and/or pursuing STEM-based careers and educational pathways. This tip in balance has created a vacuum of sorts, and has dramatically increased the need to educate, and train the future workforce to be knowledgeable in all of these areas.

students from the robotics institute at McLane MS

The STEM Institutes at the School District of Hillsborough County is an initiative designed to cultivate a spirit of innovation by developing passion, and excitement, as well as preparation in STEM-related educational pathways. The Institutes were established in 2007, and follow the National Career Academy Coalition model with an overall goal to help students at the middle school level transition/articulate into high school Career Academies/programs. There are currently five middle schools operating under the common umbrella of the STEM Institutes. Each has a STEM theme, or unique of its own flavor. For example Buchanan has a Biotechnology focus, Greco has a Pre-Engineering academy, Madison with an Aerospace/Astronautics focus, McLane offers Robotics, and Young has Robotics and Engineering/Architecture academy.

So what is the hallmark, or the driving force behind the success of the STEM institutes? The answer lies in its state-of-the-art programs which are geared to foster minds-on, hands-on activities. Besides being the only school district in Florida to have STEM Institutes at the middle school level, one of the defining aspects of the institutes is the individual/one-on-one attention students receive from the time they enter the program to the time they enter high school. In terms of curriculum, Weinberg says the District follows program standards outlined by the state that have industry-relevant applications. “Each STEM institute flavors instructional lessons and material to their STEM theme, and each math and science course is required to teach district approved courses.” For example, in an architecture themed institute, the math concept of “area” can be geared to calculate the area of a family room rather than doing random number problems.

Over the course of 3 years, the Institutes have made quite an impact. Preliminary data suggests approximately 40% of students from Buchanan’s STEM institute will be pursuing an Engineering-related courses in high school. The preliminary survey also shows students from STEM Institutes generally equal, or surpass student test scores within their schools.

Factors that have spurred success on the teacher, and administrator side of the continuum include tremendous district support, low teacher turn-over rates, numerous professional development opportunities, as well as parent/community involvement. “This is a program that has impact on students because they want to be here, teachers want to teach the subject matter, and administrators are highly committed to the future success of the program.” Moreover, programs like the “Connect-thru-STEM” initiative have given teachers the opportunity to develop high student interest, integrated and authentic curriculum based on STEM teacher’s experiences with related local business and industry.

The STEM Institutes also enjoy a close partnership with FLATE. In October, 2010 several teachers from the institutues will visit FLATE and the Engineering Technology program at Hillsborough Community College in Brandon. FLATE will provide professional development about a variety of STEM careers, have demonstrations of some of the advanced technology equipment in the HCC labs, provide technical content information, as well as tips on how to weave STEM, social sciences, and language arts into fully integrated learning experiences for students and teachers alike.

The intent is clearly to inspire and excite students about STEM. Weinberg notes that in the last 50 years or so, drivers and innovators of our economy like the Thomas Edisons and Henry Fords or the Wright Brothers are not here. He sees the need to “excite and interest young people to step into those shoes once again.” Weinberg points to STEM as a fun way of earning a living, and fields which offers endless opportunities. He wants students to have an authentic experience, and says the best way to do this is to create a “hook” to keep them engaged, help develop team-work, problem-solving skills and enable critical thinking which could potentially lead to life-long learning.

Looking through the prism of the future, SDHC’s STEM institutes are poised to diversify/include various emerging technologies/fields. Some of these themes include health sciences, pre-nursing, pre-veterinary, agro-sciences, aquaponics, hydroponics or any high-interest and high-growth areas such as transportation, and alternate energy. Weinberg hopes exposure to these fields at the middle school level will expose and spark students’ interest in STEM-related fields in future. As he rightly concludes “Technology and Engineering is what brings math and science alive—providing students with these kinds of opportunities helps makes math and science alive.”

For more information on the STEM institutes at SDHC contact Rob Weinberg at 813.231.1894/ robert.weinberg@sdhc.k12.fl.us, or visit www.sdhc.k12.fl.us. You can also read the entire transcript of the Rob’s interview on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/madeinflorida.

Watch the WTSP 10 Connect News broadcast about the STEM Institutes

Everybody has something to do with nano, FLATE’s puzzle team is no exception!

This time your water purity technician has shown you the graphic of the backflow test for the carbon nano-tube based technology water filtering system. When the water to be sold under your “purer than the driven snow” brand passes one way through the filter, the water is purified and then sent to the bottling facility. Eventually the filter is clogged and its performance is diminished. The tech runs the back flow test by disconnecting the forward flow, then pumping purified water through the filter in the opposite direction and monitoring the backward water flow rate. The plot shows the forward pressure vs. flow profile in blue, and the back flush pressure vs. flow profile in orange.

Should the filter canister be replaced? (Yes or No). Submit your answers at https://www.fl-ate.org/

Manufacturers in Florida’s capital region just got some forward momentum, thanks to a regional initiative targeted to provide high-quality, customized skills training for current and incumbent workers engaged in manufacturing. The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center (AMTC) at Tallahassee Community College (TCC) made its official debut in August, 2010, and represents a cohesive partnership between government, TCC, and several industry partners located in the state’s northwest corridor.

Inauguration of the Center/ribbon cutting with a welding torch

In terms of training, the Center focuses on three areas. The first is training in different processes with reference to composite materials made possible through the CEAM (Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials) grant from Florida State University. The second is advanced manufacturing which comprises training in CNC (computer numerical controlled) machines like industrial lathes, industrial mills, CNC simulators etc. The third area is the certified production technician training which prepares students to take the national MSSC (Manufacturing Skill Standards Council) Certified Production Technician (CPT) test that allows students to earn 15 credits towards the 2-year statewide engineering technology degree program developed by FLATE. The unique aspect of the curriculum framework is that it can be broken down into modules/individualized packages that tailor to specific training requirements based on the needs of a particular company/industry.

The courses and curriculum extend beyond the scope of a particular industry or profession. Batton describes them as a vehicle in providing industry-relevant training in a relatively short period, and giving students marketable skills to earn decent income. Its strength also lies in “offering a range of skills that are transferable across various industries.” For more information on the Center and current courses, contact Bruce Batton at BATTONB@tcc.fl.edu, or visit https://workforce.tcc.fl.edu. For information on the MSSC Production Technician Certification for the statewide engineering technology degree, contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, or visit www.madeinflorida.org/ET_Degree.

Join the High-Wage, High-Growth Advanced Manufacturing World. Get Enrolled and Get On Board, NOW!

Who: Hillsborough Community College’s Technology Based Learning Initiative, the Employ Florida Banner Center for Manufacturing, and Polk State Corporate College

What: An 80 hour course that will teach you the advanced manufacturing basics that employers are looking for in today’s workforce.

How Much: Thanks to a grant from the US Department of Labor, tuition — normally $1,300— is only $375 (or less; contact us for details).

What’s the benefit: Get certified! Pass the four exams, and you’ll receive your nationallyrecognized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) certificate that can apply towards 15 credit hours towards an Engineering Technology AS degree.

Topics Covered
• Workplace Essentials:Communication Skills, Team Building, and Stress Management
• Safety: Personal Protection Equipment, Lock Out/Tag Out, and Ergonomics, … get your OSHA 10 Card for completing this section
• Production and Processes: Lean and Six Sigma, Supply Chain, and Business Basics
• Maintenance Awareness: Machine Basics, Blueprint Reading, and Troubleshooting and Root Cause Analysis
• Quality Awareness: Introduction to Quality Management, the Production Process, and Quality Improvement Systems.

Next class session: 5:30—9:30, Tuesdays & Thursdays, Sept. 21— Dec. 9, 2010, at HCC’s Brandon Campus, room BSSB 201.

For more details and to reserve your seat visit us on Facebook, or call the Technology Based LearningInitiative at Hillsborough Community College 813-253-7000 ext. 5518, or email Glenn Goonis at ggoonis@hccfl.edu.
 
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FLATE is hosting “Programmed for Success…preparing students for robotics and high-tech careers” for a second time! The event will be held at Hillsborough Community College in Brandon on October 4, from 6 -7p.m., and involve parents of campers who attended the 2010 Robotics camps.

The conference offered several venues for networking and professional development. Over 70 Florida industry representatives and educators from high schools, state/community colleges, technical schools and universities attended the conference with almost 400 joining from across the country. From the “Welcome Florida Industry Panel Session” on Tuesday evening hosted by FLATE where industry brought their perspective to the audience of educators in both formal and informal venues, to the captivating keynote speakers living and working right here in Florida, FLATE and SPACE TEC worked hard to give the conference a strong Florida flavor.

Story Musgrave, astronaut, photographer, surgeon and more carried the audience into space and other amazing places with stunning photos taken by himself during his many flights and missions. Equally important, he reminded us all of the beauty and elegance of simple, functional designs in ordinary and extraordinary things. Duane DeFreese, another keynote speaker inspired and challenged us to mingle our minds with our magnificent oceans – from our beautiful coastlines to the deepest depths for explorations right here on our own planet. Both speakers inspired the audience to think outside the box, dare to dream, keep it simple, keep it clean, and keep both the past and the future in the equation of sustaining success. See you all next year at HI-TEC 2011 in San Francisco!

Please take a moment to enjoy the articles in the August edition of the Focus. Our special “making a difference” section highlights Lourdes Fleurima, FLATE Sr. Staff Assistant’s generosity and hard work to help the people of Haiti. Our hats and hearts off to her for organizing a considerable relief effort in the Tampa Bay area. Although the long-term recovery efforts from the earthquake, over six months ago, have barely begun the world’s news spot light has moved on. If you can help just let us know. Take a stab at this month’s Stem Puzzle (#10), and catch up on the status of biofuels in Florida!

Focus on research for alternative and renewable energy sources is at an all time high across the nation. This surge in interest coupled with rising fuel prices, concerns over depleting natural resources has created a strong market for renewable energy sources. Among other forms of alternate energy like solar, wind, or hydro power, biomass energy occupies an important role in Florida. The state is one of the few in the nation with high biomass resources. Subsequently, harnessing these resources is a key component of Florida’s energy strategy. (Source: Florida Energy Systems Consortium, FESC).

For information on the bioenergy crop field day at UF, or the ET degree energy specialization contact Jorge Monreal at monreal@fl-ate.org. For information on ongoing statewide FLATE-FESC initiatives contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org, or visit https://fl-ate.org/projects/fesc.html.

Yep, I did it again! No previous puzzle data analysis this time either, however, another great puzzle.

This time a technician for a laser research company is responding to a complaint that the beam is not steady. The initial thought is that the optics table is vibrating because one or more of the table’s shock absorbers is not working properly. The tech has obtained data about the table’s complete vertical displacement response to an applied test force and plotted that information.

The tech knows the following facts:

1st the plot of force applied to one of the shock absorbers of the optical bench vs. the vertical motion of the table is a hysteresis loop.

2nd, if the shock absorber is working correctly, the loop will show that the initial force is absorbed by the shock absorber and the table’s initial vertical motion is minimal.

The shock absorber is malfunctioning. (yes or no). Please submit your answers at www.fl-ate.org

If “a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step” Lourdes Fleurima has already taken her first steps towards fulfilling a life-long dream to “make a difference”. Fleurima who is the senior staff assistant for FLATE at Hillsborough Community College in Brandon, and a single mother of two says she always liked to help. That she says has been her passion since she was a child. Help she did, and in a big way!

In April 2010, she single-handedly organized a food and clothes drive to help the victims of the devastating magnitude 7.0 earthquake that crippled the lives of thousands in Haiti. The incident served as an epiphany of sorts. In that, shortly after the earthquake Fleurima made a flyer requesting for donated items for the victims of the Haiti earthquake, posted them at churches, at work, local community centers, and hosted garage sales at her residence. Her efforts evoked mass response from coworkers at HCC, church members, and neighbors alike. The Publix store in her neighborhood opened a drop box where people could donate food and clothes, a doctor in Land O’Lakes, FL donated pharmaceutical/medical products, and the local U-Haul store donated boxes and tapes to ship the items to Haiti. She even received donated items from a family in Indiana! “I got a lot of help from the community, and have been inspired by their acts of generosity” Fleurima said.

Since then she has traveled to Haiti twice to distribute the donated items, and has spent a considerable amount of money, out of her own pocket, to help the people of Haiti. “This is something I wanted to do, I am committed to do and will make it happen.” Approximately 1000 individuals in Leogane, Port Au-Prince, Carrefour, Saut-d’Eau, Hinche and several towns and villages across Haiti have received clothes, food and money thus far as a result of her efforts.

Indeed, Fleurima’s desire to reach out to the “poorest of the poor” started long before the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Starting with one suitcase of goods that she bought at local outlet stores to distribute to the people in Haiti, Fleurima has reached out to the needy for the past 10 years, one step at a time. She is currently in the process of establishing her own organization, Helpland Solutions which is poised to be operational by August, 2010. The organization’s primary mission will be to give every child a better life by “helping Haiti through the goodness of the heart”. Whether it is helping two, or 20 or 2000 kids, the organization’s primary focus will be providing “a home” not a mere “shelter” for orphans and children between the ages of 1-10.

Fleurima’s vision is highly diversified. Her audacity of hope extends beyond Haiti. In the next five years she intends to expand HLS from serving 25 to 100 kids. She intends to offer vocational programs (culinary, sewing and basic computer classes) free of cost for adolescents, as well as adult literacy programs that cultivate real-life skills. She even plans to open a non-denominational church. Her long-term plan is to offer similar services to orphans and underprivileged individuals not only in Haiti, but in Africa, India, and one day throughout the world. “I know I will not have a solution for everybody, or every child, but if I can have a solution for just one child, or teach one adult to read and write I will consider HLS to have fulfilled its mission to serve the underprivileged” Fleurima said.

Despite numerous challenges that are strewn along her path, failing she says is not in her vocabulary. “I want to go all the way, but I will go in the direction where God leads me to.” For information on Fleurima’s Haiti earthquake relief effort, or to donate to Helpland Solutions contact Lourdes Fleurima, president & CEO of Helpland Solutions at lfleurima@fl-ate.org.