Journal #5

T.H.E Journal
Problem Solvers
By Neal Starkman

JEREMIE MEYER is an inspirational teacher that we all could learn a lot from. He came up with an idea that has truly worked and is very practical. This teacher is an instructor in mechanical engineering and manufacturing at a high school in Wisconsin. He came up with the idea to create a hands-on class that teaches real-world mechanics in areas of science and technology. The school board approved his request and now his students are making national news. He assisted his students in engineering a vehicle on their computer based CAD system and then they manufactured it in the adjoining machine shop. The students use this model car they built to encourage corporate sponsors support. Meyer’s idea is catching on around the nation because it satisfy’s the critical areas that the U.S. is lacking in compared to the rest of the world- STEM, aka Science, Technology, Engineering and Math. Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is an organization that is creating programs for schools to improve their real world practicality in the areas of STEM.

1.) How could I convince my school to incorporate some of these ideas at the middle school level?
Answer: I could suggest that we research the PLTW and adopt some of their ideas and actually incorporate their ideas into the curriculum. They have a website, they have published results, and they have programs that are very do-able. I understand the importance of improvement in the areas of math science and technology and I want to do everything in my power to encourage this in my students.

2.) Where does the funding come from for these programs?
Answer: The PLTW helps schools find corporate sponsors for funding and walks them through the set up process. They serve as a supporting intermediary between the school and the school board and the corporate sponsors.