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Hello parents, July 8, 2008 Two days after school was out, I flew back to Boston, Massachusetts to attend a week long program at MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) called Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT). The seminars were amazing, laboratories full of state of the art technology, and wonderful people helping you get around the Boston area. This program was sponsored by the Seattle area MIT Alumni Association and I would like to say "thank you" for this wonderful trip. I can also report Boston is still celebrating the Celtics NBA championship with no end in sight! The days were full of lectures and eye opening discoveries, but I also had the opportunity to talk with an admissions officer. He told us what he looked for in a resume and the caliber of student that would be successful at MIT. At a time when admission offices have more applications then openings, this became a timely discussion. Other topics ranged from chemistry demonstrations to nature's designs inspiring biotechnical advancements. There were quite a few connections to the Northwest as we studied in a building called Stata, donated by William Gates, discussed nuclear waste at Hanford and the purpose of the Yucca Mountain Project, and lectures on jet engines sponsored by Boeing. It also rained daily so at times I felt like I never left Washington. Graduates of this program are part of a network
called NEST keeping members in contact with MIT faculty and other science
teachers who have attended this program since 1989. Personally, I have gained
new insights how biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and technology
overlap, providing us with more energy efficient products and startling new drug
delivering systems. It was truly like "Drinking from a Fire Hose" all week and I
enjoyed every minute of it. This information taken into the classroom will
encourage all students at Issaquah High School to the opportunities in science,
engineering, and technology in the future. |
