1. Cultivating STEM Education in East TN Maria Crowe, Math Teacher and USFIRST Robotics Coach Career Magnet Academy Knox County Schools

2. Needed STEM Workforce Skills: Source: “Educator’s in the Workplace” visits to KUB, NetShape Technologies, Kimble Chase, Adroit Medical, Bush Bothers Strong Math (i.e., spacial skills, density, volume, unit conversions) Reading Comprehension Communication (written, oral) Computer (MS Office, CAD, programming) Problem Solving/Critical Thinking Process Maintenance and Control Quality Assurance Safety Mechanics/Electronics Aptitude Strong Work Ethic (Integrity, Responsibility, Excellence) Team player

3. Bridge the STEM Education Gap

4. A Changing STEM Education Landscape: STEM Enrichment Programs Need STEM Mentors* who: Supplement STEM education by giving students hands-on experiences (Experiential Learning). Apply classroom knowledge to “real world” projects and experiments Guide scientific inquiry. Model “soft skills”. Provide career guidance and encourage academic excellence. *Teachers, parents, STEM professionals (scientists, engineers, etc.)

5. STEM Mentorship Opportunities USFIRST Robotics (usfirst.org) STEM Scouts (stemscouts.org) Exploring (learningforlife.org)

6. US FIRST Robotics Statistics Founded 1989 by Dean Kamen 28 Teams (1992) ….34,275 teams (2015) 367,000 youth participants (8-18 years old) 10 million annual volunteer hours $20 million in annual scholarships 150,000 mentors 30,000+ robots competed in 2014 50 U.S. states/80+ countries

7. U.S. First “Soft Skills” “Gracious professionalism” – respect for others by being a good sport and sharing what you have learned. “Coopertition” – competing teams help and cooperate with each other. Community Service – give back to the community. Team work – take assigned role seriously (commitment) and make contributions to the team.

8. CMA WOLFBOTS Team #5508 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UsTwEOGOEc Finished Rookie Year Currently have 12 students (10% of student body) One coach, 3 parent mentors Raised $15,000 ($5000 KCS, $4000 USFIRST, $2500 Leidos, $2500 UT Batelle, $1000 other sponsors) Moving to PSCC/CMA megatronics lab Community service outreach (Boy Scouts, South Knoxville Elementary School, summer camps, MakerPalooza) For more info. In how you can help, contact Maria.Crowe@knoxschools.org