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December 10, 2018Learning and Communicating about Science: All in one Lesson at P-TECH
Understanding science and computer technology is a huge advantage for students looking to compete in the global, technological economy. That advantage, though, is lost if the student is unable to communicate its importance or make it understandable to a diverse audience.
Students in the Capital Region Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) are learning how to do it all — conduct research, develop a new product and then communicate its importance to a diverse group.
Students in the new and innovative program are developing presentations explaining and “selling” the ideas for a new international space station and will make those presentations to area financial advisors Dec. 12 in a “shark tank” format. Those on hand for that event will include Daniel P. Fruscio, regional manager of CAPCOM Federal Credit Union, John Skrobela, director of business lending for the Capital Region Chamber, April J. Ulrich, vice president of business banking relationship at Key Bank and Destiny Watkins, community development lending officer for the Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region. The Capital Region Chamber is organizing the “shark tank” presentations.
The students’ presentations will follow extensive research into the topic that is resulting in either 3-D models or large-scale posters detailing their design.
“It’s imperative for students to not only understand what it is they are doing, but also be able to communicate about it,” said P-TECH West Campus Principal Makensie Bullinger.
During a recent class at the Center for Advanced Technology, P-TECH students were hard at work outlining their presentations.
“It’s pretty cool because we get to see the project through, design, build and now talk about it,” said Dylan Roberts, a freshman from Shenendehowa.
“Working in groups on projects like this is helping me get ready for the workforce,” added fellow freshman James Beardsley who attends P-TECH from Cobleskill-Richmondville.
P-TECH is a four- to six-year program (grades 9-14) focused on engaging students in hands-on, project-based learning to be successful in careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Students who successfully complete the program earn a high school diploma and an associate’s degree at no cost in a high-tech field. Graduates are first in line for a job with industry partners in the growing field of information technology.
Approximately three dozen Capital Region students learn in the P-TECH program with business partners arranged through the Capital Region Chamber serving as their mentors.
A pair of open houses to learn more about the P-TECH program will be held Jan. 9 at the Mohonasen Center for Advanced Technology and Watervliet Junior-Senior High School with two starting times – 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
For more information on the P-TECH program, go to https://www.capitalregionboces.org/capital-region-p-tech/ .
