WIESBADEN, Germany -- More than 150 prospective scientists, techies, engineers and mathematicians, who happen to be ninth-grade students, spoke with Maj. David Dake, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Europe District project engineer, during Wiesbaden High School's Career Day Oct. 17.
Dake answered questions about his educational background, professional experience as a U.S. Army engineer and the wide variety of potential science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM-related careers, at USACE. Coincidentally, WHS hosted the event in the new, state-of-the-art school gymnasium constructed by USACE. Dake used the facility to illustrate practical engineering work to the students.
"A lot of these kids spoke to me about their interest in science and technology; exposure is important at this age," Dake said. "Events like this are important because at an early age, just starting out in high school, students are introduced to engineering and other careers represented here today."
This year, Department of Defense Dependents Schools-Europe added four new courses to increase and expand STEM subject offerings to high school students. The courses include Engineering Applications, Advanced Functions and Modeling, Foundations of Algebraic Modeling and Financial Literacy.
"The idea is to foster student interest in technical and engineering careers," said Dr. Nancy Bresell, DoDDS-Europe director. "DoDEA supports President Obama's focus on educating STEM professionals to keep the U.S. the economic and technological leader in the global marketplace."
In addition to new Europe-wide DoDDS courses, Wiesbaden is piloting Robotics Engineering. The course uses robotics to teach students engineering and design processes.
"This course incorporates advanced applications of physics, chemistry, electronics, computer science and mathematical modeling," said Frank Pendzich, the WHS engineering technology instructor.
Just 10 or 15 years ago, there were set, established science and math classes students had to take, Dake recalled.
"There wasn't an opportunity to branch out with electives until college," Dake said. "If we offer students the chance to branch out from standard classes - algebra, biology, geometry - and give them more choices, we will start to see improvement in the ability of our youth to excel in STEM-related areas."
Cohen Clark, a gregarious ninth-grader who enjoys math, band and sports, agrees it is a good idea for DoDDS to add math and technically focused subjects to the curriculum.
"The more we know the better prepared we are for life," Clark said.
As a freshman, Clark is taking algebra and he plans to continue with more advanced STEM classes throughout his high school career. One day he would like to be a computer programmer or a stunt double.
Clark's friend, Ryan Burrow, a fellow WHS student, is interested in pursuing a career as a pilot or engineer. Burrow said his favorite classes are band and science.
"We get to do a lot of hands-on stuff in science class; we don't have to sit down and work on sheets of paper," he said. "It is fun and interesting."
While Burrow, Clark and their ninth-grade classmates may not be highly focused on selecting a career today, early exposure to prospective occupations is imperative, said Undra Marbury-Robinson, a WHS guidance counselor.
"The DoDEA mission is to educate, engage, and empower each student to succeed in a dynamic world," Marbury-Robinson said. "Career day allowed students an opportunity to meet with various professionals in the community as they continue to explore higher education and career paths."
Representatives from 20 local organizations, ranging from the U.S. Air Force to Community Bank, were on-hand to answer questions about careers in their fields of expertise. This first-time event provided USACE a new opportunity to engage Wiesbaden students and support the local community. USACE Europe District officially partners with the Wiesbaden Middle School on a number of STEM activities throughout the year.
USACE volunteers, including Dake, look forward to upcoming partnering events at the middle school including Engineering Week and Earth Day in February and April, 2013 respectively.
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