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TechREACH E-Newsletter
"I love how the summer workshop showed you how to
make your ideas come alive."
- TechREACH Student
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This summer, TechREACH served over 100 middle school
students in our two-week robotics camps. Nearly 80 middle
school students attended camps in Pasco, Sunnyside, and Granger, and
25 students attended camp in Seattle.
Students learned how to design, construct, and program robots using
LEGO Mindstorms NXT™ kits. They worked in teams to complete a variety
of activities that utilized motion, light, and sound sensors to mimic
both animal behavior and the Mars Rover. These activities increased
their confidence and knowledge base, while providing a platform for
building new friendships and interests. As part of the
culminating activities, students used their personal creativity,
design, and engineering skills to compete in several
"coopertitions" (cooperation/competitions) that
incorporated all they learned during the camp.
Funding for the summer programs came from the National
Science Foundation and a Google RISE award. Our partner Technically Learning provided the curriculum and
helped deliver teacher training. Special thanks to Radio KDNA
and Ochoa Middle School for providing us access to their computer
labs for summer camps for the past three years.
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Students Investigate
Renewable Energy
During the spring, TechREACH club leaders in Eastern
Washington guided over 200 middle school students through hands-on,
inquiry-based activities focused on renewable energy. Students
investigated how wind can produce electricity by building model
turbines, designing blades, and measuring energy production.
Students also took a field trip to the Wild Horse Wind Farm in Ellensburg, Washington to
learn about wind energy, see the turbines up close, and hear about
renewable energy careers.
Funding for the development of this curriculum came from a National
Science Foundation Information Technology Experiences for Students
and Teachers (ITEST) grant written in partnership with Washington
MESA.
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Can You Create an Arcade
Game?
This spring, over 20 students at Dimmitt and Sylvester
Middle Schools learned basic .XML programming through the TechREACH
program as they utilized their creative and technical skills to
create an arcade game, similar to Dance, Dance Revolution®.
Students learned about circuits and sensors to create the hardware
design, then used XML programming skills, and designed the graphical
interface to create the game. Students applied what they had learned
into a fun and engaging arcade game that got them out of their seats
and dancing to their own creations.
Funding for the development of this curriculum and its implementation
came from the Seattle Foundation. Special thanks to our partner and
co-curriculum developer, Peter Gruenbaum, from SDK Bridge. If you
would like to receive training on our Arcade Game Creation
curriculum, contact us!
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Taproot Foundation Grant Improves TechREACH Messaging
Thanks to a grant from the Taproot Foundation, TechREACH
is rolling out a new messaging and brand strategy.
Volunteers from local companies analyzed TechREACH's key
audiences and helped develop new messaging to strengthen our
marketing materials. Stay tuned for our new Web site and brochure in
Fall 2009!
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TechREACH Alliance Project
Wraps Up
The TechREACH Alliance Project, funded by the
Greater Everett Community Foundation, has ended with strong results.
Students in 18 after school clubs distributed 126 refurbished
computers to low-income families. Through this project, we were able
to reach many rural communities such as Brewster, Bridgeport,
Newport, and Manson who have high needs for technology training and
computers. Other sites included Everett, Whidbey Island, Lynnwood,
Burlington, Bow, and East Wenatchee. At the computer distributions,
families were taught the basics of computer and Internet use and
received information about follow-up trainings available in their
communities. One parent looked forward to using the computer to
complete her community college coursework and another planned to use
the computer to help promote her hairdresser business.
Key partners in the project included Wilderness Technology Alliance,
Department of Social and Health Services, and TEConnections.
TechREACH is a program of the Puget Sound Center for Teaching,
Learning and Technology. Donations are tax-deductible, and
TechREACH publishes the names of program donors on its Web site and
printed materials. Contact Karen Manuel
to get involved or donate online.
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The mission of TechREACH is to increase middle school
students' interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)
through hands-on high-quality curriculum, role models, and professional
development.
TechREACH
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