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Summit focuses on scienceFriday, Nov. 6, 2009
The Werner von Brauns and Lise Meitners of tomorrow had a chance to kick-start their careers in science Saturday when the La Plata campus of the College of Southern Maryland hosted the second annual Youth in Technology Summit. Amid billowing liquid nitrogen and the friendly advances of a curious robot, middle school and high school students were free to roam the daylong summit where they learned about what they can do to prepare for a job that knows no bounds. "We don't lose people to boredom," said Chris Wagoner of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technical Division of the Naval Surface Warfare Center at the Stump Neck Annex of Naval Support Facility Indian Head. "When you build something … there's nothing like pushing that button and it works." Eleven-year-old Mary Spangler knows the feeling. The St. Mary's County resident attended the summit with her mother and three siblings to help spread the word about local robotics teams. "I like building stuff. I like making stuff go together," Spangler said. "Even if you hand me a piece of paper, I'll usually cut it or shape it." While Spangler and Wagoner can appreciate the passion of invention, not all students know how to tap into that interest; and even if they do, often there's nothing to keep that motivation rolling. That's where Al Leandre, the founder of the youth summit, got his inspiration. "We encourage [students] to dream big, but how can they dream big if they don't know what that is?" Leandre said. "We want to knock the fear out of kids," said Monique Varlas, an instructional specialist for in-school science, technology, engineering and math programs in Charles County. STEM was started to help students get into the problem-solving mindset when they are learning, Varlas said. Well aware of Southern Maryland's proximity to everything energetics and the efforts of the public school system, Leandre began working with the military branches and local research and development groups to put together the inaugural summit last year. About 250 students traveled to the Leonardtown campus one night in December to see what the summit was all about, which prompted Leandre to consider a bigger venue and larger scope this year. "There are phenomenal people working on the planning team," Leandre said. "There are workshops for students and parents, and for first- and second-year students [in college] who can get help understanding how to take the next step." Westlake High School freshman Zara Naeen, 14, attended the summit with several friends and classmates from a computer technology and Web design class. Reluctant at first to attend — but prompted by the allure of extra credit — Naeen braved the rain to get to the summit, only to find herself pleasantly surprised at what the day had to offer. "Our teacher told us we should be exposed to different fields, even if we don't want to [study] computers and Web design," Naeen said. "The activities seem pretty cool." U.S. Navy Air Command Education Outreach Coordinator Kathy Glockner said the key to fostering an interest in "cool" engineering concepts is for parents and teachers to give students opportunities to explore science and technology hands-on. Often a lesson in physics can become too abstract to catch the attention of young minds, Glockner said, which is why a technology summit like the college's is helpful to promote an interest in technology concepts. "Get your child engaged in STEM activities, homework. Have them explore the world you live in through the eyes of a scientist and engineer," Glockner said. "A child has to have strong skills in science and math. Children who are creative … can work in teams and brainstorm new ideas. Engineers change the world."
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