Mike Rowe

Coming up at the USA Science & Engineering Festival this Weekend!

carlyo — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 17:50:54 +0000

Coming up at the USA Science & Engineering Festival this Weekend!

Discover the STEM Power of Lockheed Martin at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo in April

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to pilot the F-35 or a flying robot? Or how cold it is in Antarctica (a region known as the most frigid place on Earth)? In addition to what the next big thing in batteries is, and can medicine really be personalized for every individual? At Festival Expo 2014 you'll experience the answer to these and other questions in unforgettable ways with founding and presenting sponsor of the Festival, Lockheed Martin through exciting interactive, activities in six different innovation themes: advanced aeronautics, scientific discovery, energy, robotics, nanotechnology, and cyber world (data analytics). Visitors will also not want to miss piloting a blimp through a challenging virtual reality course to rescue a stranded team member; learning how structured light, lasers, and optics are used to capture motion and track movements for video games and robotics research; and testing out very scientific phenomena with super soakers!

At the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo: Learn From Mike Rowe of TV's Dirty Jobs How Skilled Trades Are Packing a Powerful Punch!

Skilled trade jobs are not only high-paying and in-demand, but powerful forces in STEM. In a must-see panel presentation conducted by Mike Rowe, star of TV's Dirty Jobs series and founder and CEO of the mikeroweWorks Foundation, you'll discover at the Festival Expo in April how skilled trades are making a dramatic difference in myriad sectors of the real world. The panel will include such skilled trade notables as: Mark Hatch, Chief Executive Officer of TechShop, a global leader in the Maker/DIY movement; agricultural innovator Sue McCloskey, co-owner of Fair Oaks Dairy Farms in Indiana -- one of the largest dairy farms in the United States that uses both commercial and organic farming practices, much of it made possible by skilled labor technology; and noted marine biologist and inventor Jeremiah Sullivan, founder of SharkArmor Tech which is using skilled trades to further develop the life-saving and world-famous flexible suits of armor he invented to protect divers while working around sharks.

Delve Into the Mysteries of the Paranormal at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo in April

Since the dawn of civilization humans have been fascinated by paranormal phenomena, such as predicting the future, UFOs and conversations with the dead, but how much of these occurrences can be logically explained by scientific approaches involving STEM? Get ready for an unforgettable presentation at the Festival Expo when Dr. Joe Schwarcz, a noted chemist and Director of McGill University’s Office for Science & Society, explores if these phenomena really lie outside the scope of modern day science. His presentation will also be highlighted by various interactive activities aimed at increasing the awareness of the need to evaluate paranormal phenomena through critical scientific methods.

Chevron Brings Its Dynamic STEM Zone to the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo in April

Boasting 3,600 square feet of hands-on excitement in STEM, Chevron's STEM Zone is one of the most interactive science exhibits in the nation. This April, Chevron, a major sponsor of the Festival, will be bringing the 'Zone' to the Festival Expo, affording young learners and others to a smorgasbord of STEM immersion -- ranging from Fab Lab demonstrations in bridge design and construction to the Hydrogen Car Challenge Workshop and unforgettable experiences in electronic circuitry. Chevron's STEM Zone is one of more than 3,000 hands-on, interactive exhibits and activities that will be showcased April 26-27 at the Expo by more than 1000 leading science institutions and organizations from around the nation.

Nate Ball of PBS's Design Squad Brings Superhero Engineering andthe Science of Beatboxing to USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo

Nate Ball, the host of PBS's award-winning series Design Squad, isn't just any engineer: he's also an All-American pole vaulter, a nationally competitive beatboxer, and a co-inventor of the ATLAS Powered Ascender: an actual version of Batman's grappling hook rescue system. Get ready at Festival Expo 2014 in April when he combines such passions into an unforgettable stage show replete with science demonstrations of real-life superhero gear and some of the best beatboxing in the country. His presentation will rock your world!

Meet Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist William Phillips at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo in April

It's not everyday that students and others get the chance to meet a Nobel Prize-winning scientist. But they'll get that opportunity at the Festival Expo in an exciting way when noted physicist William Phillips presents a dynamic stage show covering Einstein's theory of relativity, atomic clocks, light, liquid nitrogen and other fascinating areas of physics. Dr. Phillips was the co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1997 for his contributions to laser cooling, a technique to slow the movement of gaseous atoms in order to better study them. At the Expo, he joins an exciting compendium of other noted achievers, leaders and visionaries in STEM to help science come alive for young learners and the general public.

At the USA Science & Engineering Festival, AAAS Takes You Inside the ¨Science of Our Senses¨

Our five senses are the focus of some of the most exciting research in neuroscience today. Be at the Festival Expo in April when the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) presents a fascinating array of stage shows titled "Brain Meets World: The Science of Our Senses." Featuring some of the most noted scientists in sensory perception, these presentations will demonstrate everything from how how our brains perceive and interpret language and music, to how we taste food, and what the fly and bark beetle can teach us about the evolution of our senses. Research presenters will include: Robert Slevc, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park; Ralph Etienne-Cummings, Professor of Engineering, Johns Hopkins University; Daphne Soares, Assistant Professor of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park; Gwyneth Card, neuroscientist at Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Christopher Cross, doctoral student in Neuroscience at Howard University.

Top Authors in STEM Converge at the USA Science & Engineering Festival Book Fair in April

There's nothing like a good, exciting science-inspired book to stimulate the mind. At the Festival Expo's Book Fair hosted by Anderson's Bookshops, April 26-27, you'll meet some of the nation's top authors in this genre -- maestros who are inspiring readers, young and old alike, in the wonders of STEM. Don't miss the chance to experience such authors as:

Nate Ball, host of PBS's Design Squad, and author of the popular children's science book series Alien in My Pocket, a space alien adventure; Melina Bellows, author and Chief Creative Officer of National Geographic's Books, Kids and Family divisions; Rebecca Klemm, whose Numbers Alive! book is demystifying numbers and math for children and adults alike; engineer Saul Griffith, co-author of Howtoons -- a children’s comic book series about building your own science and engineering gadgets; Tammy Enz, author of Batman Science; and Jason Chin, an acclaimed author and illustrator whose current work is titled, Gravity.

Immerse Yourself in DIY Technology at theUSA Science & Engineering Festival Expo in April

The DIY and Maker Movement are helping to inspire a new generation of average Americans to build and invent viable technological creations of their own. At the Festival Expo Finale, you'll meet the some the top individuals and organizations in the country who are driving this movement! Be at the Expo to experience the dynamic hands-on DIY exhibits by these and other innovators: Makers Toolbox -- learn to make your own toys; Technology Will Save Us -- create your own innovations in electronics, music gaming, sports and other fields; TechShop -- realize your DIY dreams in 3D printing, special effects, plasma cutting and quilting; MAKE -- tweak, hack and bend any technology to your will; and the St. Louis School -- meet exciting, budding DIY innovators of tomorrow!

Scientific American Brings Its Excitement to the USA Science & Engineering Festival Under the Theme, 'Helping Curious Minds Achieve'

Scientific American is one of the nation's most venerated publications, especially for its ability to inspire readers across a broad spectrum in science and technology. Get set as Sci Am brings this excitement to the Festival Expo in April under the theme of ¨Helping Curious Minds Achieve Great Things.¨You'll definitely want to catch these and other must-see exhibits by Scientific American experts: Citizen Scientist with noted paleontologists Jason Osborne and Aaron Alford; Bring Science Home which features interactive activities from Sci Am's popular website that parents can try at home with kids, and Frontiers of the Mind, which introduces students to a dynamic program that allows them to edit a real scientific paper for publication!

carlyo Thu, 04/24/2014 - 13:50

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I've been having a wonderful time at the USA Science and Engineering Fair, but I'm experiencing somewhat of a disconnect. The fair is telling young kids that they can have a great future if they major in STEM subjects, but I and many of my friends, being over 50 years old, are having a terrible time finding meaningful work that utilizes our STEM degrees. The job market for older STEM graduates just isn't working out for us. My thoughts on this subject are reflected in greater detail on STEMCAREERFACTS.COM

Caterpillar Brings Expertise in STEM and Skilled Trades to Festival 2014 as a Major Sponsor!

carlyo — Mon, 21 Apr 2014 16:13:25 +0000

Caterpillar Brings Expertise in STEM and Skilled Trades to Festival 2014 as a Major Sponsor!

Under the theme of "Start Your Journey," Caterpillar, as a major Festival sponsor and leader in STEM and skilled trades, is set to wow audiences at the Expo this month with a dynamic array of interactive exhibits and presentations designed to demonstrate the breadth of opportunities that exist at Caterpillar and Cat Dealerships around the country in STEM-related frontiers and career paths.

Says Gwenne Henricks, Caterpillar's Vice President of Product Development & Global Technology & Chief Technology Officer: "We want attendees to leave with the impression that Caterpillar is an enthusiastic supporter of STEM education and to know the actions we're taking to build a sustainable pipeline of STEM talent around the world."

Now more than ever, she says, Caterpillar and Cat Dealer employees must possess the right balance of academic knowledge, technical ability and critical thinking skills to keep up with the rapid changes in processes and technologies used to develop, manufacture and support their products around the world. "For that reason," Gwenne adds, "we need to encourage development of STEM and vocational skills as well as cultivate an environment where innovation is rewarded and can flourish. The Festival, combined with our long-standing partnership of Mike Rowe's initiatives in skilled trades, is the perfect outlet to communicate this mission."

Don't miss these and other exciting hands-on exhibits and presentations featuring Caterpillar:

-- Robotics Race Challenge: This is the main event in the Caterpillar booth. See first-hand the amazing accomplishments of STEM students with their built-from-scratch robot that can move with a remote control and even shoot baskets! Then test it for yourself, and with a handheld remote control, race the robot around the track and compete for the fastest time. All participants are eligible to win an iPad mini or iPad Air given away daily.

--Arm Wrestling Challenge: How tough are you? Test your strength in this exciting event, where it's man versus machine!

--Start Your Journey: Come talk to one of our Caterpillar and Cat® dealer experts about the endless opportunities available with a career as a Cat dealer technician. Caterpillar is committed to the success of STEM skills and employs over 10,000 STEM jobs worldwide. Learn how you can join this rewarding field and make an honorable living. While you're there, spin the prize wheel and get a prize just for stopping by.

--Center Stage Performance: Caterpillar is bringing magician Benjamin Corey to the center stage of the Mike Rowe Pavilion. Be there to see Benjamin perform his spellbinding gravity defying acts and so much more. This phenomenal show starts at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 26.

--Photo Opp: Capture exciting memories of your Expo visit with the Caterpillar photo wall. Get your picture taken by our professional photographer in front of a Hollywood-style backdrop and Caterpillar machine.

The Festival wishes to thank Caterpillar and our other valued Sponsors and Partners for helping to inspire the innovators of tomorrow.

carlyo Mon, 04/21/2014 - 12:13

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From the DIY Movement to Saving Lives -- Skilled Trades Pack a Powerful Punch! Learn How With Mike Rowe!

carlyo — Mon, 31 Mar 2014 16:05:42 +0000

From the DIY Movement to Saving Lives -- Skilled Trades Pack a Powerful Punch! Learn How With Mike Rowe!

Mike Rowe star of TV's Dirty Jobs series and founder and CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, would like to add "skilled" trades to the well-known acronym of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). "Adding an 'S' to the end of STEM would further get across the vital role that training and jobs in skilled trades are playing in the future of STEM frontiers," says Mike.

No doubt, skilled trade professionals such as auto technicians, plumbers, heating/air conditioning technicians, welders and electricians represent some of the most well-paid and in-demand high-tech jobs in STEM today, and at the Festival Expo, Mike -- in a series of exciting presentations, including the first-ever mikeroweWORKS Pavilion at the Festival -- will be spreading the word about how skilled trades pack a powerful punch, and how students can prepare for these jobs.

Says Mike: "We will be giving students first-hand examples of how, for instance, welders and auto technicians use important principles of science and mathematics in their work, and introducing kids to the many quality technological school opportunities available to them for training following high school."

In the mikeroweWORKS Pavilion, students will get up close and personal with some of the top innovators and companies in skilled trades today who are using their technology in myriad ways -- from agricultural science and the DIY Movement to developing life-saving shark-resistant suits of armor for divers. Here are just some of the notables audiences will meet during the skilled trades panel presentation at the mikeroweWORKS Pavilion:

--Mark Hatch, Chief Executive Officer of TechShop, a global leader in the Maker/DIY movement. Under Mark's leadership, TechShop's revenue has grown twentyfold in five years and multiple new locations have opened across the US. In 2013, his book, The Maker Movement Manifesto, was released by McGraw-Hill Education, and San Francisco Business Times recognized Mark as one of "Bay Area's Most Admired CEOs." Mark has spoken at industry and leading events like Techonomy, TEDx, and The Clinton Global Initiative.

--Jeremiah Sullivan, a noted inventor and marine biologist, is founder of SharkArmor Tech and creator and technical innovator of the Neptunic Brand and products. In the late 1970's, he developed a flexible suit of armor for divers to wear while working around sharks. Today, under his new brand called SharkArmor Tech, he continues using the latest in skilled labor talent to manufacture new ways to advance his shark suits. These inventions have become the world standard among those who must work under hazardous circumstances with sharks in the open sea.

--Sue McCloskey, along with her husband, Mike, are owners of Fair Oaks Dairy Farms in Indiana, one of the largest dairy farms in the United States that uses both commercial and organic farming practices. They milk over 15,000 cows, and through skilled trade innovation, their farm creates its own energy through manure digesters.

--Brian Huff, CEO, Midwest Technical Institute (MTI). A former pipe welder, Brian co-founded MTI tradeschool in 1995 (the school was then known as the Midwest School of Welding). Today the school, headquartered in Springfield, Illinois -- and having 7 campuses in 4 states -- is known as a leader in training skill trade professionals in such sectors as mechanical trades, allied health, and transportation.

--Matt Freund, a second-generation dairy farmer in Connecticut who is using skilled trade technology in innovative ways on his farm, including building a methane digester to create biofuel, installing 500-plus solar panels to generate enough solar energy needed to run the dairy farm, and inventing and marketing a product called CowPots,a by-product of dairy farming cow manure. Through these initiatives, Matt has received regional and national awards in conservation.

Also represented at the Pavilion will be such well-known companies and institutions as: Caterpillar, Walmart (which has created a state-of-the-art truck that is fueled by hydrogen), UTI (the trade school noted for its expertise in marine and diesel technology), and such nonprofits as Go Build Alabama the FFA, BSA and SkillsUSA

Watch a preview video here:

http://youtu.be/TudpMqqKdg8

carlyo Mon, 03/31/2014 - 12:05

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Upcoming Stage Shows at the USA Science & Engineering Festival

carlyo — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 17:21:24 +0000

Upcoming Stage Shows at the USA Science & Engineering Festival

The 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival, the nation's largest celebration of STEM, is just one month away! This FREE and open to the public event will take place April 26 & 27 at the Washington, D.C. Convention Center. Over 250,000 attendees will experience the weekend of a lifetime with 3,000 hands on exhibits, 150 stage shows, including presentations from science celebrities Bill Nye and Michio Kaku, teacher development workshops, a Festival Book Fair and much much more!

Here is just a sampling of the upcoming stage shows at the Festival Expo Finale:

Learn From Mike Rowe of TV's Dirty Jobs How Skilled Trades Are Packing a Powerful Punch!

Watch Preview Video here:

http://youtu.be/38VA6QTqntM

Meet Nobel Prize-Winning Physicist William Phillips

Delve Into the Mysteries of the Paranormal

‘Flatland’ Filmmakers and Actress-Mathematician Danica McKellar Explore the Math Behind the Hit Movie ‘Sphereland’

Movie fans will remember the hit animated film Flatland: The Movie, and its 2012 sequel, Flatland 2: Sphereland – two productions highly acclaimed for their creative use of math and sci-fi inventiveness. At the Festival Expo in April, get set to meet the filmmakers of these movies – producer Seth Caplan, and writer/director Dano Johnson -- in an amazing stage presentation in which they take you behind-the-scenes of Flatland 2, including explaining the mathematics behind its captivating animations, and how the theme of scientific inquiry drive the movie’s characters. During the presentation, the filmmakers will be joined by mathematician and actress Danica McKellar, who best known for starring roles in TV’s The Wonder Years, and The West Wing, and for her candid, bestselling books that motivate girls in mathematics.

Watch Preview Video here:

http://youtu.be/nu6XRgDG_0U

Learn the Science of Football From a Scientist Who Studies the Game, and a Mathematics Genius Who Plays It!

One only has to watch a quarterback throw a 50-yard “bomb” on target downfield to his streaking wide receiver, or witness a bone-crushing tackle delivered by a 350-pound lineman to a speeding running back to realize that football is chock full of science and physics. At the Festival Expo in April, you’ll discover with Ainissa Ramirez, Ph.D., a leading scientist who studies the game and who authored the book, Newton's Football, why football boils down to the team that uses the science of force, motion, energy and other elements the best! Adding further excitement to this stage show will be Penn State football standout, John Urschel, a first-team All Big Ten lineman who is known not only for his prowess on the field, but also for his achievements as a math scholar, including graduating as a 4.0 GPA student from Penn State with a B.S. and Master’s in mathematics while playing football!

Watch Preview Video here:

http://youtu.be/uqCltABOT2w

Learn more about the Festival Stage Shows here.

carlyo Tue, 03/25/2014 - 13:21

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The Need to Connect on An Emotional Level With STEM Learners

carlyo — Thu, 13 Mar 2014 16:26:16 +0000

The Need to Connect on An Emotional Level With STEM Learners

By Larry Bock

Co-Founder of USA Science Science & Engineering Festival

No doubt, the influences that move individuals into their chosen field of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) are often as different as night and day, but one thing seems constant: most STEM professionals, in remembering how they made their selection, can trace that ¨A-ha!¨ moment back to a pivotal experience in their lives that connected them on an emotional level for the first time with their chosen line of work.

That moment for scientist James E. West, inventor of the foil electret microphone, came at the age of eight when he experienced a jolting electric shock while trying to plug a radio he had just repaired into a ceiling outlet. Strange as it may seem, that emotional episode was the one that inspired him to become an acoustical scientist. "I became fascinated by electricity after that, just completely fascinated,¨ he recalls. ¨I needed to learn everything I could about it."

For others, these pivotal moments may be sparked by episodes less arresting but equally poignant, such as something a teacher or mentor said to them, something they read, something they saw on a field trip, or a hands-on demonstration they participated in.

That's the power of positive emotional experiences. These meaningful moments are captured and stored by the brain for vivid memory and, on an unconscious level, become key to enhancing learning, motivation and decision-making, says noted neuroscientist Antonio R. Damasio, M.D., Ph.D., of the University of Iowa College of Medicine.

Such findings are significant as we explore new and creative avenues to inspire and motivate more students in STEM. One thing is clear to me in this quest: We must begin connecting with young learners in STEM on an emotional level by exposing them to exciting, interactive experiences, inside and outside the classroom -- encounters that immerse the senses and touch various emotions. Which is what really thrills me about the USA Science & Engineering Festival, due to kick off nationally again this April.

The Festival, the largest science outreach event of its kind in the country, brings kids, teachers and the public up close and personal with some of the nation's most inspiring leaders and innovations in STEM via exciting hands-on venues -- proving one thing: science and engineering isn't boring!

The Festival's finale Expo celebration on Saturday, April 26 to Sunday April 27 at the Washington, DC Convention Center, will be a prime example of this. Did you ever think science and engineering could engage so many different emotions in one weekend? Here are just a few examples of how the Expo, through its dazzling array of presentations, will strike various emotions while immersing audiences in science:

Adventure: You'll be spellbound while learning the science of extreme sports from some of the world's most daring ZOZI extreme sports champions -- including big wave surfer Maya Gabeira, triathlon athlete Chris Lieto, and kayaker Tao Berman. Plus you'll be captivated as Hollywood stuntman Steve Wolf takes you behind the scenes to discover the science behind TV and movie stunts and special effects.

Think and Ponder: You'll be moved by the thought-provoking presentation by the Innocence Project and the New York Hall of Science that reveals the important role DNA evidence is playing in exonerating a growing number of wrongfully convicted prisoners. And Mike Rowe of ¨Dirty Jobs" will enlighten you with a timely fact: skilled labor jobs are becoming some of the most highly-paid and in-demand jobs today in STEM.

Mystery and Intrigue: You'll gasp as Chris Hackett, America's consummate DIYer, demonstrates his secrets of surviving an apocalypse and zombie invasion! And the science of illusion and sleight-of-hand action with Apollo Robbins, the ¨Gentleman Thief¨ and star of National Geographic's Brain Games, will have you on the edge of your seat.

Inspiration: You'll cheer and shed a tear as Amanda Boxtel, an athlete paralyzed in a skiing accident 21 years ago, reveals how the emerging field of bionic exoskeletal technology is helping her to walk again. And meeting and learning from basketball great Kareem Abdul Jabbar how his nonprofit organization, the Skyhook Foundation, is motivating low-income kids in STEM will have you standing up and applauding.

Perseverance: You'll be wowed by the mission of actress, mathematician and bestselling author Danica McKellar -- known for her acting roles in TV's The Wonder Years, and The West Wing -- to help more girls gain the confidence and perseverance to succeed in mathematics.

Awe: Bill Nye the Science Guy will captivate you as he takes you inside the awesome frontiers of science through the dynamic hands-on demonstrations that have made him famous.

Humor and Music: You'll laugh while increasing your science IQ through the humor of science comedian Brian Malow! And the science-inspired music of two-time Grammy Award winner, They Might Be Giants, will have you singing and humming along.

Empowerment: You'll be fascinated as well as bolstering your level of science literacy when science advisors to some of the hottest TV shows today --Drs. Donna Nelson of Breaking Bad; David Saltzberg of the Big Bang Theory, and John Sotos of House, MD. -- demonstrate the importance of ¨Getting the Science Right in Hollywood.¨ Plus, increase your science acumen in football with ¨The Physics of Football¨ panel featuring scientist Ainissa Ramirez, and John Urschel, a math genius and college gridirion star at Penn State.

Undoubtedly, connecting students with such powerful emotions via STEM can do wonders to inspire the next generation of innovators.

Follow Larry Bock on Twitter @USAScienceFest: www.twitter.com/usasciencefest

carlyo Thu, 03/13/2014 - 12:26

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"...is motivating low-income kids in STEM will have you standing up and applauding." That's really great, but shouldn't one rather encourage low-income kids to have careers in fields which increase their income, such as medicine? Or the financial industry where we learn that bonuses go up, even if profits are down ( http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2014/03/12/wall-street-bonuses-go-up-as-the… ).
When I was a lecturer, I remember a conversation with a very bright minority physics undergraduate student, whom I tried to encourage to go to graduate school, where undoubtedly he would have done well. he pointed out to me that -as first in his family to go to college - he'd have to provide for younger siblings and parents once working, and clearly, science with endless postdocs positions, engineering with outsourced jobs wasn't it; with a MD he'd be reasonably assured of a reasonable income.-- But in my leafy wealthy suburb, my kids and their friends in high school observe that parents in engineering or CS have to change jobs every so often, because of outsourcing, layoffs, and are unemployable after age 50; but the kids with parents in some financial business or corporate law can retire at age 45.-- But at least for a graduate degree in science or engineering one can avoid student loans by being an underpaid teaching or research assistant for a few years.

Superbowl of STEM to Draw Tens of Thousands to DC Convention Center

carlyo — Thu, 27 Feb 2014 23:59:23 +0000

Superbowl of STEM to Draw Tens of Thousands to DC Convention Center

By Shawn Flaherty

What is the universe made of? What does science have to do with extreme sports? And how would you survive a zombie invasion? The answers to these questions and more are at the 3rd USA Science & Engineering Festival Expo and Book Fair, hosted by founding and presenting sponsor Lockheed Martin. Designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, the Festival Expo is a free, family-friendly expo that allows kids and adults to participate in more than 3,000 hands-on activities and see more than 100 live stage performances.

“Science is amazing…that’s our message to kids and adults attending the Festival. Staying competitive as a nation means we have to encourage more kids to think about careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). What better way to capture their imaginations than gathering the rock stars of science in one place and providing activities they can really do?” explained Larry Bock, Festival co-founder.

“We want to show students that STEM is fun, and that scientists and engineers change the world for the better,” said Dr. Ray O. Johnson, Festival co-founder and Lockheed Martin senior vice president and chief technology officer. “The Festival is a great opportunity to motivate students to pursue these disciplines, which we know are critical not only to our national security, but also to our economic strength and our global competitiveness.”

The Festival Expo, which takes place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in
Washington, D.C., April 26-27 from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., is the free grand finale of the
Festival’s year-long science celebration. Taking the entire convention center, the
Festival Expo will also have a Career Pavilion, Book Fair—complete with signings by
well-known science authors, and multiple competitions such as EPA P3’s sustainability
challenge. In all, the Festival expects more than 250,000 people to participate.

Other components of the overall Festival include:
• All Year: The Nifty Fifty program—presented by InfoComm International—where top
scientists speak at area schools.
• April 24: The first ever X-STEM Symposium, a “Ted-style” event for kids with talks by
science visionaries presented by Northrup Grumman Foundation and MedImmune.
• April 25: Sneak Peek Friday—presented by the “Department of Defense - CelebratingDiversity in STEM!"—for school children and military families.
• All Week: More than 20 partner events held in conjunction with the Festival, such as the U.S. News STEM Solutions Conference.

The Festival features science celebrities, explorers, astronauts, athletes, authors, and experts in fields like robotics, genomics, medicine, advanced manufacturing, and even
3D printing. Participating celebrities include:
• Dirty Job’s Mike Rowe (Discovery Channel)
• Basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar
• Bill Nye the Science Guy
• Grammy Award-Winners “They Might Be Giants”
• Author and Illustrator David Macaulay
• Author and Actress (Wonder Years) Danica McKeller
• Miss California Crystal Lee (Stanford grad, Miss USA Runner Up, and STEM advocate)
• Design Squad’s Nate Bell (PBS)
• Illusionist Apollo Robbins
• Stuck with Hackett’s Chris Hackett (Science Channel)
• “Super Woman of Big-Wave Surfing” Maya Gabeira
• MoneyBall’s Paul Depodesta
• Cast and crew from TV Shows like Big Bang Theory, House and Breaking Bad

Among its themes this year is a focus on encouraging diversity in STEM careers. Also
with more than three million unfilled jobs that require STEM experience, the event is
highlighting skills based and “do-it-yourself” professions—with the help of Mike Rowe—
to emphasize the dire need for skilled workers. In addition, the Festival is showcasing new technologies and their applications. For instance, Amanda Boxtel, who is paralyzed, will demonstrate how she uses a titanium exoskeleton to walk and makes it fashionable with a 3D printer.

Founded by serial entrepreneur Larry Bock and Lockheed Martin CTO Dr. Ray O. Johnson to address the severe shortage in science and technical talent, the event is the nation’s largest science festival and was developed to ignite the next generation’s interest in considering careers in science and engineering. In recognition of the Festival’s role in making STEM a national priority, Congress recently designated the last week in April as “National Science Week” and made the Festival a focal point.

To learn more, visit www.USAScienceFestival.org or watch the video at
www.usasciencefestival.org/festival-highlight-video.

carlyo Thu, 02/27/2014 - 18:59

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Mike Rowe "Putting Skills Back in STEM" at the Expo!

carlyo — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 15:58:58 +0000

Mike Rowe "Putting Skills Back in STEM" at the Expo!

A big thanks to Mike Rowe for taking time out of his very busy schedule to share his enthusiasm for the USA Science & Engineering Festival!

Mike Rowe will give a keynote address and host a panel discussion at the Expo surrounding the topics of skilled trades/alternative education and STEM. Mike will also host the first ever mikeroweWORKS Pavilion at the Festival, aimed at inspiring students interested in pursuing a skilled trade!

carlyo Wed, 11/27/2013 - 10:58

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mikeroweWORKS Joins Forces with The USA Science &Engineering Festival on Pioneering Skilled Trades Pavilion!

carlyo — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 18:17:38 +0000

mikeroweWORKS Joins Forces with The USA Science &Engineering Festival on Pioneering Skilled Trades Pavilion!

By F. Mark Modzelewsk

Effort will highlight STEM’s massive impact on vocational education and careers

The USA Science & Engineering Festival (www.USAScienceFestival.org) is pleased to announce that mikeroweWORKS (mikeroweworks.com) will be hosting the “mikeroweWORKS Pavilion” at this year’s Festival. Today’s trade careers are being driven by hardworking, technologically-skilled workers and one of the goals of this partnership is to shine a spotlight on them at the Festival and to encourage young people to explore a multitude of career options in industries with millions of job openings.

Mike Rowe, host of Dirty Jobs and CEO of mikeroweWORKS (Photo:Business Wire)

“Dirty Jobs” creator and host, Mike Rowe, will be appearing and speaking each day at the Festival to help highlight the importance of a skilled workforce essential to America’s economy. He will be joined by leading manufacturers, technology companies, vocational education schools and other like-minded organizations that are committed to bring more awareness to the power of labor and how science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) are essential components of any skilled worker’s toolbox.

The mikeroweWORKS Pavilion is a key element of the USA Science & Engineering Festival, co-founded by serial entrepreneur Larry Bock and Lockheed Martin Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Ray O Johnson. Upwards of 350,000 attendees are expected at the Festival which takes place April 25-27, 2014 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The free, nonprofit Festival is the largest STEM outreach event in the world, and is filled with hands-on exhibits, experiments, concerts, and talks from leading technology entrepreneurs, Nobel Prize winning scientists, Hollywood celebrities, Fortune 500 CEOs, and many others.

“This will be the Super Bowl of STEM and we couldn’t be more pleased than to partner with mikeroweWORKS to not only create more opportunities for America’s students, but to open new pathways to skilled labor careers through STEM education,” said Larry Bock, Co-Founder of the USA Science & Engineering Festival.

mikeroweWORKS CEO Mike Rowe stated that, "It's easy to forget that skill plays a key role in many of today's most rewarding careers, and I'm looking forward to highlighting those companies where skilled labor is still celebrated. Our Pavilion is open to companies large and small, and I'm thrilled by the support we've already received. We're going to show kids and parents just how many great STEM careers exist for skilled workers, and I'm honored to have the chance to tell that story."

"Innovation and entrepreneurship are also components of many great STEM careers, and we want people to understand the role of skilled labor in those areas as well. With the help of the many companies attending, including the trade schools that mikeroweWORKS has already partnered with, I think we can make a very persuasive case for a host of great STEM opportunities that start with mastering a useful skill,” added Mary Sullivan, President of mikeroweWORKS.

To date, Caterpillar, Midwest Technical Institute, Tulsa Welding, Universal Technical Institute, Tech Shop, Turner Industries, Go Build Alabama and Fair Oaks Farms have committed to participate in the mikeroweWORKS Pavilion and many more are in the works.

About Mike Rowe and mikeroweWORKS:

As the creator and executive producer of Dirty Jobs With Mike Rowe, Mike spent ten years traveling the country, working as an apprentice on more than 300 jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid. From coal mining to roustabouting, maggot farming to sheep castrating, Mike has worked in just about every industry and filmed in every state, celebrating the hard-working Americans who make civilized life possible for the rest of us.

On Labor Day 2008, Mike launched mikeroweWORKS. The initiative grew out of Dirty Jobs when Mike challenged the fans to help him build a resource center for skilled labor. That resource center quickly turned into a grassroots PR Campaign where skilled labor and alternative education are celebrated in the hope of highlighting the steady decline in the trades and bolstering enrollment in trade schools and technical colleges.

As mikeroweWORKS began to challenge the stigmas and stereotypes that surround skilled trades and "alternative education,” Mike quickly became the most visible and vocal advocate for millions of available jobs that require a “hands-on” skill. He’s testified before both houses of Congress on the country’s widening skills gap, the emerging student loan crisis, and the ever-changing perceptions of a “good job.”

Since 2010, mikeroweWORKS has awarded hundreds of educational and tool scholarships, travel stipends, and provided other financial assistance to those pursuing a trade. Most recently,mikeroweWORKS teamed up with Caterpillar to launchprofoundlydisconnected.com - a direct challenge to the marketing campaigns that currently promote four-year degrees at the expense of more affordable and more practical trade schools.mikeroweWORKS also partnered with Tulsa Welding and Midwest Technical to award $1.6M in “Work Ethic Scholarships.” For more information, visit mikeroweworks.com, as well as Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/TheRealMikeRowe, and follow Mike on Twitter @mikeroweworks.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20131031006037/en/

About the USA Science & Engineering Festival

The USA Science & Engineering Festival is the country’s only national science festival. It was developed to increase public awareness about the importance of science and to encourage youth to pursue careers in science and engineering by celebrating science in much the same way as we celebrate Hollywood celebrities, professional athletes and pop stars. Lockheed Martin is the presenting host sponsor of the Festival, a grassroots collaboration of over 500 of the leading science and engineering corporations in the United States. For more information, visit www.USAScienceFestival.org, connect with the Festival on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @USAScienceFest.

carlyo Thu, 10/31/2013 - 14:17

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