National Guard's Science and Math Tour Comes to EKSC | BSCTC

    National Guard's Science and Math Tour Comes to EKSC

    NATIONAL GUARDS NATIONWIDE TOUR TO IMPROVE PERFORMANCE OF AMERICAS

    STUDENTS IN SCIENCE AND MATH COMES TO EAST KENTUCKY SCIENCE CENTER

    In support of Educate to Innovate and to raise the math and science literacy of the nation, the Army National Guard is bringing its interactive Mobile Learning Center (MLC) Program to the East Kentucky Science Center at the Big Sandy Community amp; Technical College in Prestonsburg, KY.

    The MLC Program, which tours schools, summer camps, festivals and events and armories throughout the country, will focus on technology while exploring energy efficiency and alternative energy sources through engaging and highly interactive math and science experiences.

    The goal of the visit to the East Kentucky Science Center is to increase community interest in math and science, and educate young adults on the many career opportunities in these fields.

    The exhibit will be available from July 12th to July 14th from 12:00 Noon until 8:00p.m.

    "The National Guard Mobile Learning Center Program provides students and educators with a cutting edge tool for learning and teaching," said Lieutenant Colonel Rich Baldwin, Division Chief of the National Guard Bureau - Education, Incentive amp; Employment division. "As a community organization, the National Guard seeks to optimize its presence by serving communities like those visiting the East Kentucky Science Center. We are committed to preparing our youth for the challenges of an increasingly competitive global workforce.

    Through the Mobile Learning Center Program, young adults will gain educational opportunities and experiences directly related to emerging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career fields so they are better equipped for future success." The mobile tours vehicle, The Energy Lab, is a fully mobile 65 Rapid Deployment Vehicle that transforms into an interactive, remote classroom filled with educational, fun and inspiring learning tools that will encourage high-school students and kids to participate in and excel at science and math.

    On board the trailer is a 24-seat theater with a powerful sound and lighting system that will provide an enhanced multimedia learning experience while introducing students to the platform of energy and environment. Off board the 27x27 tent contains four separate interactive exhibits focusing on the four elements: earth, water, wind and fire.

    Onsite interviews are available, and media representatives are invited to tour the Energy Lab during museum hours 12:00PM-8:30PM Tuesday, July 12th through Thursday, July 14th.

    Additional Highlights from the Mobile Learning Center

    • EARTH - This interactive game allows players to extract oil, gas and coal from the Earth in an effort to produce an electrical output. As each player advances further into the future, it becomes more challenging to save the environment and adapt to Earths increasing population.
    • WATER - This interactive experience allows players to use a balance board to rock back and forth to produce waves that will increase electrical output. Players learn about the various types of waves and locations that are optimal for the generation of wave energy. As players advance, they must brave stormy seas in order to continue producing electricity and earning points to win.
    • WIND - Players take on the role of a farmer that must choose the most favorable conditions for wind turbines based on location and arrangement in order to maximize power. Players experiment with the various options to build wind turbine farms that are more efficient than fellow farmers (players).
    • SOLAR (fire) - Players will interact with simulated solar panels to challenge themselves to generate enough power to supply as many homes as possible for one day. Players must overcome stormy weather conditions to continue to provide power and earn points.
    • ENERGYTOWN - Following the last experience, students gather at Energy Town, a physical model of a city that showcases the visual and physical representations of the percentage of resources, both renewable and nonrenewable, being used today and the projected use in the year 2050. This experience brings together the concepts learned at the four stations: earth, water, wind amp; fire and allows students to better understand the abstract concept of energy and wattage, and learn how each relates to their own lives.

    About the Army National Guard The Army National Guard (ARNG) is one component of the Army (which consists of the Active Army, the Army National Guard and the Army Reserves). The Army National Guard is composed primarily of traditional Guardsmencivilians who serve their country, state and community on a part-time basis (usually one weekend each month and two weeks during the summer.)

    Each state, territory and the District of Columbia has its own National Guard, as provided for by the Constitution of the United States.

    About Educate to Innovate - President Obamas Educate to Innovate campaign is a nationwide effort to help reach the administrations goal of moving American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade. Launched in November 2009, Educate to Innovate is designed to improve the participation and performance of Americas students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This campaign includes efforts not only from the Federal Government but also from leading companies, foundations, non-profits, and science and engineering societies to work with young people across America to excel in science and math. This nationwide effort includes over $260 million in public-private investments.