AMERICA’S NAVY AND DISCOVERY EDUCATION PARTNER TO INSPIRE A FUTURE GENERATION OF STEM PROFESSIONALS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts:
Lyndsey Grubbs, Discovery Education
240-662-2572
Lyndsey_grubbs@discovery.com

Alvin Plexico, Ph.D.
Commander, U.S. Navy
901-874-9048
Alvin.plexico@navy.mil

– –“Navy STEM for the Classroom” program gives high school students real-world applications for their STEM passions –

Silver Spring, Md. (February 28, 2013) — America`s Navy and Discovery Education have partnered to launch a new program for high school students interested in cutting-edge, real-world applications of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the 21st century. By exploring the latest in Naval STEM technologies, the Navy STEM for the Classroom program guides students through relevant academic pursuits and career opportunities.

Among the organizations taking action on President Barack Obama`s call to improve STEM, America`s Navy has pledged to engage and educate students in science and math in order to ensure a promising future generation of STEM professionals. Navy STEM for the Classroom takes steps to guarantee that high school students are not only informed about STEM possibilities, but also impassioned by exciting advancements in the field.

“This is a great opportunity to help young people interested in science, technology, engineering, and math,” said Rear Admiral Earl Gay, Commander, Navy Recruiting Command. “The success of our Navy tomorrow depends upon the education of young men and women today. Many of these young Americans are seeking a challenge in pursuit of a higher calling. When this higher calling is supported by a strong STEM foundation, I know our Navy and our nation will be in the great hands of these future leaders.”

The Department of the Navy`s (DoN) STEM executive, Rear Adm. Matthew Klunder agrees.

“The Department of the Navy is facing tremendous workforce pressures,” said Klunder. “In a few short years, nearly half of our science and engineering professionals will be retirement eligible. Collectively, the DoN`s STEM initiatives, which reach students in all 50 states, engaging with more than 5,000 teachers and 80,000 students, are an effective way to help ensure a strong Naval STEM workforce in the future. This effort is a great addition in the ongoing commitment to our national security”

Through the Discovery Education partnership, the program offers unique, multi-platform online learning tools that provide STEM lesson plans to teachers and classrooms across the country. Complimentary videos and interactive widgets will also give students a hands-on application to the STEM concepts they are being taught in lesson plans. From understanding how the principles of physical oceanography and meteorology affect ocean navigation to the importance of gas laws as applied to deep ocean diving, each lesson plan provides a unique look into the Navy`s innovative applications of science and math.

Navy STEM for the Classroom also gives students the opportunity to explore an expansive list of STEM careers. While students may only envision the more traditional math and science career paths, the program will emphasize the Navy`s distinct ability to turn a wide variety of STEM passions into one of any number of fulfilling careers. From helicopter pilots and linguists to nuclear engineers, Navy STEM for the Classroom will explore these exciting possibilities through first-hand, personal accounts.