Date posted: 06/29/2007*

“You can change the world!”

That’s the message 400 sixth graders at MacArthur Middle School received from “The Science Guy” at the “MathMovesU: Explore Cool Careers" event on June 7, in Fort Meade, Md.

Emmy Award winner Bill Nye, “The Science Guy,” joined the Raytheon Intelligence and Information Systems (IIS)-sponsored event to convey the importance of math and science education. Through his presentation, Nye challenged students to imagine travel to Mars, consider the possibility of life on other planets, and make the world a better place through the study of math and science.

“Bill Nye is clearly the rock star of math and science to these kids,” said IIS National Systems vice president Steve Hawkins. “His mixture of entertainment and knowledge transfer are outstanding. He captures the attention of the kids and motivates them to want to learn about math and science. He was particularly effective to the Fort Meade-based students, since he grew up in the Washington, D.C., area and could relate several stories like using the Washington Monument as a sun dial.”

An expo-style event followed Nye’s presentation. IIS Communications recruited professionals in various fields to demonstrate how they use math in their daily work. The goal was to show students that math plays an unexpected role in many “cool” careers. Exhibitors included a pilot, Web developer, chemist, makeup artist, nurse, engineer, code breaker, banker and a hardwood floor specialist.

“I believe it made it real for them,” said MacArthur Middle School Principal Reginald Farrare. “It helped them to see how math was connected to their everyday lives. I also believe it inspired many of our students to concentrate more on developing their math skills.”

The event was the first of its kind for the students at MacArthur Middle School.

“Having Raytheon in our building showed the kids and staff that our community cares,” said Andrea Sporre, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) coordinator for MacArthur Middle School. “Historically, MacArthur has lacked community involvement because we are on a military base. The students, who live on and off base, have not seen an event at this level.”

Along with learning about the possible careers related to math, students also received giveaways and prizes. Each student was given a MathMovesU T-shirt and a backpack with various MathMovesU items, including bookmarks, pencils and calculators. Four lucky students won gift certificates for a Trek bicycle and season passes to Six Flags.

“A week later, they were still wearing the Raytheon T-shirts,” said Sporre. “We are so grateful to have Raytheon with us and look forward to connecting their math resources to our curriculum.”

MathMovesU is bringing the excitement of math back into the classroom and helping to solve the nation’s math crisis equation.

“I was personally touched by the degree of interest and appreciation the students had in MathMovesU,” said Hawkins. “I would encourage my fellow employees to participate in similar events. It's a chance to make a difference for the communities where we work, for the future of our industry, and ultimately for the security of our country.”

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