Contact: Maridith Geuder
To help high school teachers expand their curriculum foundations in life-based science, a Mississippi State program sends them to work--literally.
For the past two weeks, more than 20 teachers enrolled in the university's Research Experiences in Industry program have spent time at three major establishments to learn the science behind commercial production processes. Supported by the National Science Foundation, the continuing education program concludes June 29 but includes follow-up sessions throughout the 2001-02 academic year.
"Our goal is to introduce teachers to the real-world applications of the academic material they teach," said physics professor and REI coordinator Sandra H. Harpole. "Through these experiences, they are better able to help students develop skills that will prepare them to enter the workforce."
Harpole, director of MSU's Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology, said the process enables classroom instructors to translate industrial research experiences into lessons that apply to everyday needs. The program is the continuation of "Learn to Work," a similar NSF-funded effort Harpole also headed.
Since early June, this year's group has divided its time among Pascagoula-based Northrop Grumman-Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding; Jackson-based Engineering Associates, a division of Pickering, and Memphis, Tenn.-based Pickering Inc.; and Tennessee Valley Authority electrical power production sites in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Muscle Shoals, Ala.
"They've actually participated in work processes to learn more about the industry, its research and development and job skills training," Harpole explained. "There has been a tremendous variety of hands-on learning opportunities."
Engineering Associates and Pickering Inc. provide engineering, environmental, surveying and construction oversight services to clients around the Mid-South.
"We believe the day-to-day interaction with employees of an engineering firm is interesting, challenging and informative both for the teachers and our employees," said Tom Bryant of Jackson, managing principal of Engineering Associates.
Work experiences have been designed to spark interest in engineering-related fields, said Linda Vance of Memphis, Pickering Inc.'s chief financial officer. "Our firm hopes that exposure to a multidisciplinary engineering firm will encourage curriculum development to prepare students for engineering-based careers."
At Ingalls, one of the nation's largest companies designing and building naval and commercial vessels, teachers learned about all facets of the industry from pipe fitting to missile defense systems.
"It's one of the most interesting learning experiences I've ever had, because we've seen a range of activities from low-tech to the highest-end technology," said Faye Kinard of Meridian's West Lauderdale High School, one of the program's training coordinators.
Officials of the companies agree that future success depends, in part, on the ability to attract highly capable employees.
"From TVA's perspective, this is a great opportunity to share with educators what our future workforce needs will be," said Terry N. Kemp of Starkville, senior manager for customer service and economic development for the Mississippi district.
"We hope this experience gives educators insight into our business environment and helps them to provide direction for a skilled, knowledgeable and focused workforce," Kemp said.
Teachers participating in Research Experiences in Industry 2001 include [by hometown]:
AMORY--Jason McCuller, a physics and chemistry teacher at West Point High School.
CLINTON--David Duke, a career discovery and mathematics teacher at Clinton Junior High.
COLUMBUS--Aretina Davis, a biology teacher at West Point High School, and Bob Wade, a biology teacher at Columbus High School.
GULFPORT--Bettye Renfro, a technology discovery teacher at Gulfport High School.
INDIANOLA--Helen Beamon, a science teacher at Moorhead Middle School.
ITTA BENA--Viola Ervin, a career discovery teacher at Moorhead Middle School.
KILMICHAEL--Dorothy Woods, special education teacher at Montgomery County High School.
MERIDIAN--Mary Shular, a career discovery teacher at West Lauderdale Middle School. In addition to Faye Kinard, other training coordinators include Tim Caldwell of Meridian Community College and Peggy Webb of the Ross Collins Vocational Center.
MOUND BAYOU--Karshae Peterson, Job for MS Graduates program coordinator at Broad Street High School.
RAYMOND--Ginger Kilby, technology discovery teacher at Raymond High School.
STARKVILLE--Bertha Bush, a biology and physical sciences teacher at Moor Attendance Center, and Mary Seawood, a biology and physical sciences teacher at West Point High School.
WEST POINT--Jeanette Harrison, a chemistry and physical science teacher at West Point High School, and Sandra White, a career discovery teacher at Fifth Street Junior High School.
WINONA--Ruby Boclair, a technology teacher at Duck Hill Elementary School, and Earnestine Miller, a finance and accounting teacher at Montgomery County High School.
In addition to Harpole, other program leaders include Anna H. Hillman, MSU assistant professor of technology and education, and retired MSU physics professor W. Lawrence Croft. Joining them are Starkville High School physics teacher Paul M. Cuicchi and University of Mississippi physics professor Lee N. Bolen.