Mathematics and science now appear to play a central role in education in Delaware.
Brandywine High School is once again working hard to develop superior assistive technology aimed at helping people with disabilities as it competes in Samsung's national STEM competition. This year's team was just selected as one of 10 national finalists, earning them a spot in the competition and enhanced resources for their school.
Two other Delaware students just earned coveted spots at a national science camp to represent their state this summer. Meanwhile, four Delaware teachers are one step closer to achieving her highest recognition for K-12 STEM teachers in the United States.
That's not all. In this weekly roundup, we'll keep you up to date with these and other education updates you may have missed.
[Did we miss another good education story? Tell me about it: kepowers@gannett.com.]
Brandywine High named STEM competition finalist for second year in a row
Once again, one Delaware high school has earned a top 10 spot among national finalists in Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow STEM competition. In addition to the honor, Brandywine High School students donated $50,000 for classroom technology and supplies, the district announced last week. The team has now moved forward.
In fact, this is the second year in a row that a Brandywine High School team has accomplished that. Wilmington area schools won it all last year, but that's not the story today.
This year, students Olivia Erskine, Kathryn McDarby, Isabella Cermak, and Marti John, along with teacher Shawn Merklin, launched a project to redesign a classic board game to accommodate players of all abilities. I led. the goal? Games can increase opportunities for students with disabilities to connect with teachers and other learners.
“Our teachers needed something more,” senior Marti John said in the competition video. “And we wanted to help.”
Simple board games are a staple of many childhoods, homes and classrooms. However, for some students, manipulating small parts may be difficult or impossible. So this team wanted to give it a try. So far, students have applied electronic games similar to Connect 4 and Chutes and Ladder with audio and visual feedback.
“I think there's definitely something that can be mass-produced in a sustainable way just to make the gaming experience more accessible,” said Matt Cole, senior director at Hasbro Toys, the company behind games like Monopoly and Sorry. ” he said. , also in the team's submitted video.
“This is a truly amazing group of young people who are trying to make the world a better place.”
As the contest continues, one “Community Choice Winner” will also be named. Community members like you can vote for the Delaware powerhouse online on Samsung's Solve for Tomorrow website.
Flashback:Delaware students use new assistive technology device to take home first place in national STEM competition
Two Delaware Charter students head to national science camp
Two scholars will represent the First Province at the 61st National Youth Science Camp.
Alia Gupta, a third-grader at Wilmington Charter School, and Kati Lee, a fourth-grader at Newark Charter School, will be camping in the mountains of West Virginia this summer, the state Department of Education announced last week. It was announced that there is.
The residential science, technology, engineering, arts and math program is designed to celebrate and challenge the nation's “up-and-coming leaders” in STEM fields, according to DDOE. Usually this is two students per state.
Ms. Gupta is a co-founder of the International Genetically Engineered Machinery Team and the Women's Empowerment Club, and a student leader in the youth environmental field. The school swim teammate and her YMCA Junior National Swim Team teammates have completed approximately 230 hours of community service with various organizations in Delaware.
Lee, a National Merit Scholarship finalist, has been volunteering at the Delaware Diagnostic Laboratory since 2020, as well as working as a summer chemical engineering intern at the University of Delaware, according to DDOE. This accomplished violinist has served as Vice President and Outreach Director for Apollo: Youth in Medicine, as State Secretary and Treasurer for the Delaware Tech Student Association, and in additional leadership roles and memberships. did.
Four Delaware teachers named finalists for National Mathematics and Science Education Awards
Last week, the state named four Delaware teachers as state finalists for the 2024 President's Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Education.
According to the DDOE, this is the highest recognition a K-12 STEM teacher can receive for teaching excellence in the United States. These educators will now move on to the next level for final selection of national winners.
The 2024 Delaware finalists are:
- britney campbell— teaches math at Lake Forest South Elementary School in the Lake Forest School District
- karen error — Teach science at Bancroft School, Christina School District
- kelly haley — I teach math at Forwood Elementary School in the Brandywine School District.
- carlos pesquera — I teach math at HO Brittingham Elementary School in the Cape Henlopen School District.
DSU Aviation gains new airline partner with Delta Air Lines
Delaware State University students now have a new option on their carrier flight path: Endeavor Air.
The Delta Air Lines subsidiary signed an agreement with DSU's aviation program in late March to ensure a path for pilot graduates to “land in the co-pilot seat of the Endeavor cockpit,” according to the university. When they start their career with Endeavor, they will become part of his fleet of 124 regional jets, operating 700 daily flights to more than 100 of his cities in North America.
If students participate in the company's program while in school, they will receive priority interviews on-site after they graduate and log sufficient flight hours. The opportunity also means the Hornets could secure a path to a major airline with Delta Air Lines after working with Endeavor.
New Aviation Director Col. William “CJ” Charlton called the partnership “another jewel in the crown of DSU's aviation program.”
Learn more about DSU Aviation:What is the aviation industry's “biggest secret”? How does Delaware produce pilots of color?
Delcastle University of Technology students celebrate one year of service – with a big check
Approximately 50 DelCastle Technical High School freshmen are celebrating their first year of community service with the Delaware Food Bank.
The students spent hours working in the garden and packing boxes from approximately 9 a.m. to noon, a spokeswoman said. Educator Jasmine Black said the new students volunteer and lead service activities throughout the year. Black called it her last big event, saying, “I just wanted the kids to feel special and to be noticed. And I wanted them to know, 'We appreciate you.' I just want you to know that.”
But last Monday brought another surprise.
County Executive Matt Meyer chose the same day to celebrate the implementation of the ARPA grant. The food bank will receive $250,000 to further support food distribution in New Castle County, including mobile food pantries in the Brookside and Pleasantville neighborhoods, according to a press release from Meyer's office. A $120,000 grant will also be provided to support the event.
The students were also asked to pose with a large check.
Castle County's new leadership joins:Meyer officially files as Democratic candidate for Delaware governor
51st Annual Delaware Conference Celebrates STEM, Innovation, and Young Talent
Last month, more than 800 students, educators and industry professionals from across Delaware shared a room at the University of Delaware's Creighton Hall.
Students excelled in competition at the 51st Annual Delaware Technical Student Association State Leadership Conference, connected with fellow leaders in STEM fields, participated in workshops, and more.
When not networking, students witnessed more than 60 competitive events covering robotics, coding, engineering, fashion design technology, digital video production, multimedia production, and more. Other chapters and scholars received special recognition.
For a complete view of all honors and rewards, you should refer to DETSA's 73-page slide deck.
Do you have a story? Kelly Powers covers race, culture and equity with a focus on education for Delaware Online/News Journal and USA TODAY Network Northeast. Contact me at kepowers@gannett.com or (231) 622-2191 and follow me at X @kpowers01..