Friday, August 18 (Morning):
Peer Exchange at
Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School &
Seminole High School (Seminole)
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When your first meeting of the day is at an American high school, you know it will be an early start! Our hosts, Mr. Michael McCullough, Curriculum Specialist, Industrial, Technology, Agribusiness & Public Services Education, Pinellas County Schools, and Dr. Catherine Mullins, PCS Secondary STEM Instructional Staff Developer, the day got off to a quick start at the Richard O. Jacobson Technical High School, where Principal Mr. Joshua Wolfenden introduced the Al Nayzak team to the concept of blending traditional high school curriculum with hands-on, real world instruction in career-related skills, included game and simulation programming and commercial and digital arts. The team had opportunities to interact with peer students in the classroom, and at an assembly where Tech High students and Tech Talent students exchanged ideas about pursuing career-related skills inside the classroom.
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Mid-morning, the mission moved on to Seminole High School where Dr. Jane Lucas, Seminole High Principal, talked with the group about how her STEM academies are built, and the types of hands-on learning available in them. Then off to the STEM classroom of AP Physics professor Jerry Cantrell, who engaged everyone in a dynamic hands-on problem-solving exercise, and conducted a Q&A session between the Tech Talent and Seminole students.
The morning program was an excellent opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange, and to experience two very different American high schools. As a result of these interactions, Mr. McCullough, Dr. Mullins and Pinellas County Schools would like explore a collaboration agreement with Al Nayzak!
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