Colorado State University Steers Denver Seventh-Grade Students to Technology, Science and Engineering Careers

Note to Editors: Reporters are welcome to attend the Exploring Science and Engineering Career Opportunities programs taking place in seventh-grade classrooms across the Denver Public School system. The program runs from Jan. 7 through April 15. For a schedule of programs or to set up a visit, call Craig Carlile or Beth Jackson in the College of Engineering at (970) 491-8370.

Colorado State University’s Institute of Applied Classroom Technology hopes to create a new generation of scientists, computer experts and engineers by leading a program for Denver Public School seventh-graders.

The Exploring Science and Engineering Career Opportunities project is designed to spark young students’ interest in technology, science and math. The program is made up of a series of visits to seventh-grade classrooms across Denver. The project begins by involving students in fun, hands-on science activities presented by Colorado State students. The hands-on learning experiences are followed by classroom visits from practicing professionals to link the classroom activities and underlying scientific concepts with specific career experiences. The visiting professionals also serve as role models and mentors for students. Teachers involved in the program receive supplemental science and technology training in support of these activities.

"These children are beginning to develop ideas about their interests, abilities and futures," said Beth Jackson, program coordinator at the Institute of Applied Classroom Technology. "This program will increase exposure to science, math and technology, and will put more emphasis on career exploration. At a time when the high-technology industry has such a tremendous demand for workers, it’s critical that these students be ready for the exciting opportunities they will be offered. This kind of partnership helps students, helps universities and helps industry."

Females and minorities have been traditionally underrepresented in science and engineering professions. One of the project goals is to increase female and minority interest in these fields. Females and minorities constitute 87 percent of students in the Denver Public School system, which makes it an ideal setting for the Exploring Science and Engineering Career Opportunities project.

The project is organized by Colorado State’s Institute of Applied Classroom Technology, an institute established to help K-12 teachers integrate technology into the classroom and encourage students to pursue science and engineering careers. The project is supported by Colorado State, the Department of Energy’s Rocky Flats Field Office, IBM and Team Labs.

For more information on the Exploring Science and Engineering Career Opportunities project or the Institute of Applied Classroom Technology, call Jackson or Craig Carlile in the College of Engineering at (970) 491-8370.