February 17, 2009
As part of National Engineers Week, Feb. 15-21, 2009, the Raytheon Company (Waltham, Mass.) is hosting a series of hands-on mathematics and science demonstrations at Disney's Epcot Theme Park, in Orlando, Fla. Raytheon engineers will show students, for instance, how to take advantage of fundamental engineering and mathematical principles to make snow.
"Raytheon is dedicated to inspiring students and nurturing interest in math and science fields," company Chairman William H. Swanson said.
Since 2005, the company has sponsored MathMovesU, which engages students through interactive learning programs, contests, live events, and scholarships. "Our sponsorship of National Engineers Week is one example of the many MathMovesU initiatives Raytheon undertakes through the year," Swanson observed. "We are proud of our innovative approach in reaching students and helping to ensure the future success of our nation by fostering the next generation of U.S. innovators."
In addition to the Epcot activity, Raytheon is sponsoring mathematics and engineering events in other parts of the country where Raytheon has facilities. In Arizona on Feb. 20, NASA astronaut Don McMonagle—now a Raytheon executive—will describe his experiences on the space shuttles Discovery, Endeavour, and Atlantis with the idea of encouraging students to pursue careers in math, engineering, and science.
On Feb. 18, more than 100 Los Angeles County high school mathematics and science students will compete to generate "green power," assisted by Raytheon aerospace engineers. In Goleta, activities will include job shadowing of Raytheon engineers and an "Introduce a Girl to Engineering" day at a local elementary school.
In Colorado on Feb. 17, university students will visit an Aurora technology fair with Raytheon employees and hear about engineering career opportunities. On Feb. 18 and 19, middle and high school students will visit the Aurora Raytheon campus, learn about MathMovesU, and participate in engineering-related competitions.
In Massachusetts on Feb. 19, middle and high school students will tour Raytheon's Andover campus. In Maryland on Feb. 20, Riverdale middle school students will attend the Black Engineer of the Year Awards Conference, where a special MathMovesU exhibit will be on display.
In Mississippi on Feb. 19, in Forest, high school students will tour the Raytheon campus and see demonstrations of electromagnetic experiments. In Omaha, Neb., on Feb. 19, Raytheon will host "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day." In Texas on Feb. 17, "Lunch and Learn," which includes interactive, math-themed games for students, will take place at Raytheon facilities in McKinney and Dallas. On Feb. 18, teams of students in Plano will compete to build wind turbines.
On Feb. 17 in Falls Church, Va., high school students will visit the Raytheon campus for tours, demonstrations, and lunch. On Feb. 18, Raytheon engineers will talk about math and engineering careers to a group of elementary school students.
Source: Boston Globe, Feb. 13, 2009; Raytheon, Feb. 13, 2009.