Students in Ventura County California are excited to use technology tools to learn the concepts found in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects “hands-on.”
The goal at Oak Park Unified School District (OPUSD) is to expose children to robotics, physics and chemistry early to spark their interest. “They will then use their science and technology knowledge for energy conservation, to develop new renewable power and bring their solutions to help solve today’s problems, said OPUSD Superintendent Tony Knight.
Groups representing the Oak Park High School (OPHS) Robotics Club and the OPUSD Rocket Club gathered around tables this past Saturday at the second annual Tech Fest at the Oak Park Library and displayed small robots and rockets. “Robotics is creation and creativity. It’s the idea of putting something together and improving it every time,” said Oak Park High School senior Shruti Aggarwal, who is head of logistics and design for the OPHS robotics club. Shruit said she plans to study material science and engineering and then use her skills in the biomedical field to build devices that mimic and expand what the human body can do. While sciences and engineering are still male-dominated fields, Shruti remarked girls should not be intimidated because they too can make notable contributions in these occupations. Members of the Cal State Channel Islands Computer Girls were also on hand to encourage more girls to get involved in computers, science and technology.
Information technology teacher Erik Amerikaner, who advises the OPHS robotics club, said Shruti is an exemplary student and peer leader. “She’s my superstar,” he said. The Oak Park High Robotics Club began eight years ago with five students. Today, it consists of 52 students running four teams. Understanding science and computers gives students many opportunities to succeed in the workplace and earn a good living right out of college, Amerikaner said. Kudos Eric!
Tiffany Morse, director of career education in the Ventura County Office of Education, a member a regional consortium that won a $13.2 million careers pathway grant this year, is launching a pathway that introduces students to careers in aviation through a partnership with the Career Education Center at the Ventura County Office of Education and Channel Islands Aviation. The two-year Air Academy will allow students to learn how to build and fly unmanned aerial vehicles – or drones – as well as complete flight ground school to learn the basics of aviation. Upon completing the pathway, students will be eligible to take a certification exam, which would apply toward a pilot’s license. Kudos Tiffany!