STEM SUMMER INSTITUTES

Core Element held its 2010 Summer STEM Institutes at Ben Franklin High School in July 2010. The STEM professional development included workshops on Modeling Instruction in Chemistry and Physics and an Elementary STEM Institute for teachers in grades 3-6 which included sessions in FOSS modules and science concepts, mathematics manipulatives and literacy, science note-booking, and robotics.

For highlight photos, check out these pages:

Modeling Physics and Chemistry

Elementary Institute

Deep Water Technical Symposium and Masquerade Gala:

Education, Merriment and Fund-Raising to benefit Core Element an Overwhelming Success

On August 18^th and 19^th the fourteenth (14^th) Annual Deep Water Technical Symposium was held.  “Expanding the Frontier” was co-sponsored by the Delta Chapter of Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), The New Orleans Geology Society and American Association of Drilling Engineers.  The symposium attracted over 400 oil industry professionals who came together to discuss emerging technologies, alternate energy, geoscience, drilling and regulatory issues.

 In 2006 a collaborative effort with higher education, area businesses and the Public School System was formed to address the issue of lagging student achievement in math and science and to improve teacher training and enhance economic competitiveness for the Greater New Orleans region. The collaboration initially was called The Greater New Orleans STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Initiative.  In the spring of 2009, to better meet regional education needs, this initiative spun off into a (501c3) not-for-profit:  Core Element. Core Element trains teachers in curriculum and use of equipment that allow them to provide their students with “hands-on, mind’s on” learning opportunities.  The ultimate goal is through engaged learning, students will come to understand the real-life applications of science and math and gain exposure to the careers of their future.   

 SPE Delta Region has been very responsive and instrumental in supporting the long-term success of Core Element and assisting with the goal to focus on Kindergarten to 12^th grade students and STEM education.  Core Element was invited by SPE-Delta to be an exhibitor at the Deep Water Technical Symposium to help educate industry professionals about their mission and create awareness of the organization.  

   

 On Wednesday, August 18, the Young Professionals of SPE sponsored the first masquerade gala fundraiser at Harrah’s Hotel to benefit Core Element.   The gala and silent auction was an overwhelming success.   The packed house of over 200 merry-maskers of industry professional and local teachers attended the fundraiser and helped double the initial fund raising goal.   “The gala committee is thrilled that we doubled our original goal of $10,000”, said Shell employee and SPE Young Professional’s chairperson, Jenny Young.  “Baker Hughes, event co-sponsor, was delighted that they could contribute to the overall success of the evening.”  Jan Catalano, SPE Delta Section President, indicated that “Over 80% of jobs created in the next decade will call for math and science skills. It is vital for the future of our students and the Greater New Orleans economic development that we support the mission of Core Element to positively impact S.T.E.M. education in the region.  SPE would like to recognize the SPE young professionals and committee members that were responsible for this outstanding fundraising gala.  Their hard work is appreciated and will make an impact on the future of our industry and our school-children.”

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STEM Student of the Month

Core Element has partnered with the Hornets and Shell Oil Company to recognize local K-8 students who have excelled academically in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, math) or STEM activities (e.g., Science Fair, Science Olympiad, science or math clubs, FIRST Robotics or Lego League, etc.). Each teacher who participated in Core Element STEM training can nominate one student. Nominations are reviewed by a selection committee. Selected students are recognized at center court during half-time activities at designated Hornets games.  Schools receive tickets for the winning student, parent, nominating teacher, and administrator.  Additional tickets are given to the winning student’s school for the Hornet’s game at which the selected student is honored to enable the school to recognize  other students who excel in STEM areas. All students attending receive t-shirts and will sit in a special section designated for the school of the student to be recognized.

 

Congratulations to the all of the schools which have Core Element Students of the Month  for 2009-10.