LEVIN UNVEILS NEW TECHNOLOGICAL LITERACY PROGRAMS

Full-scale Space Models, New STARBASE Facility and PTC Software Donation To Spark Student Interest in Science and Technology Throughout Michigan

WASHINGTON, Oct. 21, 2002 -- U.S. Senator Carl Levin (D-Michigan) today at Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mt. Clemens, Michigan, will unveil a full-scale Space Shuttle model, a large software donation and several other new resources that will encourage Michigan children to reach for the stars when studying science, math and technology.

The resources will be delivered through the Michigan STARBASE Academy, a program that has helped more than 25,000 of the state's fifth and sixth graders build a brighter future by studying space exploration in a military base environment.

On hand for the announcement will be senior military personnel, Pentagon officials, business leaders, teachers and students.

The new resources that will be announced by Levin are:

� The Space Exploration Module consisting of full-scale, hands-on models of the Space Shuttle nose, Mission Control, an International Space Station laboratory module and a robotics exploratory lab on a simulated Mars surface.

� A $1 million learning environment in a renovated building on Selfridge Air National Guard Base, where the first of the nation's 44 STARBASE Academies was founded in 1991. The facility includes a 21-seat computer lab, a 39-seat theater and the Space Exploration Module.

� A donation of 3-D design software from PTC, a global software company, that will allow students to design space vehicles, robots and other space-related objects. Levin said PTC will give the software free to STARBASE and any middle school or high school in Michigan that wishes to use it to teach design, technology, engineering, science or math.

"Michigan's legacy of technological innovation positions the state to be a national leader in technology education," said Levin, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and sponsor of legislation that provided federal funding for the original Michigan STARBASE and 43 other STARBASEs across the country. "These fabulous space models will motivate kids to aim high and study hard. PTC's generous software donation gives Michigan students a visually exciting way to learn about space and technology through 3D design."

Experiential Learning Unlike Any Other 

The Shuttle, Mission Control, International Space Station and Mars lab were provided through a grant from the Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and three community members. The full-scale models are among a few in existence anywhere.

"Thanks to the generosity of our donors, kids will be able to 'fly' the space shuttle, direct a lift-off and manipulate robots exploring the surface of Mars," said Barbara Koscak, a former elementary teacher and director of Michigan STARBASE. "Experiential learning helps kids understand why math, science and technology are important to our future."

State of the Art Learning Facility 

Private funding for the renovated facility was raised by the Selfridge STARBASE's board of directors, with contributions coming from the U.S. Department of Defense, Community Foundation for Southeastern Michigan and private individuals.

The new STARBASE facility ? an extensive renovation of a building that formerly housed generators for a NORAD installation ? offers a unique learning experience by providing access to state of the art computers, design facilities and teacher resources.

"STARBASE is a source of pride to all military personnel based at Selfridge," said Michigan Adjutant General Gordon Stump. "This renovated facility will take this important program to new heights."

PTC Software Donation to Benefit All Michigan Schools 

As part of its Partnership for Innovative Learning program, PTC, a global software company that provides product development software to manufacturing companies, is donating $21,000 worth of software to STARBASE Michigan. Initially, STARBASE and PTC are joining forces to incorporate 3D design into the STARBASE curriculum. Eventually, STARBASE will offer future training sessions for technology teachers at its Selfridge facility.

Senator Levin will announce that PTC is expanding its commitment in Michigan by donating its Pro/DESKTOP 3D design software to any school interested in using it to incorporate science, engineering and technology into the classroom. The commercial value of the donation, if every eligible school were to accept it, would be many millions of dollars. More than 100 Michigan teachers are already teaching design and technology after receiving training and free software disks from PTC.

Through the study of design and technology, students develop teamwork and critical-thinking skills, elevate their confidence, and motivate them to lead successful lives.

"PTC hopes to help Michigan students understand that technology is an important part of our lives and that to succeed in today's world they need to learn it, understand it, embrace it and think critically about it," said John Stuart, senior vice president of education and community services at PTC. "We are delighted to support Senator Levin's vision of making Michigan the national leader in technological literacy."

About STARBASE 

STARBASE is an educational program that ignites the interest and improves the knowledge and skills of youth in the areas of math, science and technology by exposing them to technological environments and positive role models found on military bases.

About PTC and the Partnership for Innovative Learning 

PTC (Nasdaq: PMTC) develops, markets, and supports software solutions that help manufacturers win with superior products. PTC is the world's largest software company with a total commitment to product development. The company services more than 33,000 customers worldwide. Further information on PTC is available at http://www.ptc.com.

The Partnership for Innovative Learning, a worldwide initiative started by PTC, provides educators with complete learning solutions to prepare a new generation to succeed in a technological world. 

www.ptc.com/for/education

 

Sponsored Links

AnyDWG Offers DWG to PDF, DWG to DXF, PDF to DWG, DWG to JPG, PDF to DXF Converters

AutoDWG offers DWF to DWG, DWG to PDF , PDF to DWG, DWG to Flash Converters, DWG Viewer.

eCampus.com Get your stuff for College... Cheap! Textbooks, Greek Gear, DVD's, University Clothing, Computers and MORE!

Access Your PC from Anywhere Free Trial plus 10% Off!