Is it Art? Or is it Engineering? Well, it's both, and much more. Qualcomm's Think-a-Bit Lab is a place where students become designers, creators and builders in a free-flowing environment where imagination rules.
Qualcomm opened this lab in March to inspire middle school students throughout San Diego County to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and join a new generation of engineers. Many of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills, and dynamic business/education partnerships like Think-a-Bit will challenge and engage students to pursue these exciting fields.
I joined a team of educators in a field trip to Qualcomm's sprawling Sorrento Valley campus last month to experience Think-A-Bit firsthand.
The visit was arranged by Carlsbad Education Foundation Board member (and Qualcomm vice president of engineering) Scott Runner and included Sage Creek HS principal Cesar Morales, Calavera Hills Middle School Principal Michael Ecker, eighth grade science teacher Aaron Sottile, Assistant Superintendent Rob Nye and Carlsbad Education Foundation CEO Valin Brown.
The CUSD educators observed middle school girls creating robotic hats in a hands-on lab, rich with technology and a fantastic array of design tools and accessories. Students worked with Qualcomm employees and volunteers to put on a "fashion show" for their families and teachers to display their imaginative, wearable products.
As CHMS ramps up its STEM emphasis, 150 eighth graders will visit the Think-a-Bit in the spring. Sage Creek High School is also offering several courses in the engineering and science fields, and Carlsbad High School has robust math, science and technology programs. Since Qualcomm is a major supporter of both the Linked Learning and Project Lead the Way programs countywide, CUSD anticipates enhanced collaboration with Qualcomm to support its engineering and STEM pathways.
The CHMS and SCHS leadership teams are eager to develop curriculum that incorporates their experiences with Qualcomm's engineers and the Think-a-Bit Lab.
The real-life applications of STEM concepts in the lab make classroom learning more relevant for students. CUSD educators are challenged to work together with Qualcomm and other work-based partnerships to bring these exciting careers to life for students.
Think-a-Bit Lab: A creative meeting space where imagination, engineering and science come together to provide students an unforgettable hands-on experience.
Qualcomm opened this lab in March to inspire middle school students throughout San Diego County to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and join a new generation of engineers. Many of the jobs of the future will require STEM skills, and dynamic business/education partnerships like Think-a-Bit will challenge and engage students to pursue these exciting fields.
I joined a team of educators in a field trip to Qualcomm's sprawling Sorrento Valley campus last month to experience Think-A-Bit firsthand.
The visit was arranged by Carlsbad Education Foundation Board member (and Qualcomm vice president of engineering) Scott Runner and included Sage Creek HS principal Cesar Morales, Calavera Hills Middle School Principal Michael Ecker, eighth grade science teacher Aaron Sottile, Assistant Superintendent Rob Nye and Carlsbad Education Foundation CEO Valin Brown.
The CUSD educators observed middle school girls creating robotic hats in a hands-on lab, rich with technology and a fantastic array of design tools and accessories. Students worked with Qualcomm employees and volunteers to put on a "fashion show" for their families and teachers to display their imaginative, wearable products.
As CHMS ramps up its STEM emphasis, 150 eighth graders will visit the Think-a-Bit in the spring. Sage Creek High School is also offering several courses in the engineering and science fields, and Carlsbad High School has robust math, science and technology programs. Since Qualcomm is a major supporter of both the Linked Learning and Project Lead the Way programs countywide, CUSD anticipates enhanced collaboration with Qualcomm to support its engineering and STEM pathways.
The CHMS and SCHS leadership teams are eager to develop curriculum that incorporates their experiences with Qualcomm's engineers and the Think-a-Bit Lab.
The real-life applications of STEM concepts in the lab make classroom learning more relevant for students. CUSD educators are challenged to work together with Qualcomm and other work-based partnerships to bring these exciting careers to life for students.
Think-a-Bit Lab: A creative meeting space where imagination, engineering and science come together to provide students an unforgettable hands-on experience.