Spring/Summer EQ 2013

Spring / Summer 2013

EQ

Conference Highlights

EAST QUARTERLY www.EASTinitiative.org

National EAST Open House

Tuesday, October 15, 2013 EAST Night Out is a nation-wide EAST open house hosted in over 100 individual communities that have EAST programs. During EAST Night Out, EAST classrooms share with their school, community members, business leaders, media and families the power of student-driven, service-based, technology-infused education. The facilitator and students work together to showcase projects and share their EAST story. Take advantage of this exciting opportunity.

Special Thanks EAST at Horace Mann Magnet Middle School for designing the cover for this issue of EQ!

CONTENTS Spring / Summer 2013

2 EAST CORE

6 In the News

4 Site Support

8 AR STEM Coalition

10 Conference

16 Guest Blog

18 EAST Alumni

9 National Service Project

Spotlights 14 Staff Member Dondi Jackson

Charlie Fitzpatrick

Sam Carrasquillo

20 Facilitator

15 Board Member

17 Sponsor

21 Geek Speak

28 Where EAST Is

31 EAST Gear

26 Project Profiles

30 Sponsors

32 EAST Staff

Dr. David Rainey

James Miller Mary LaVergne

AUTIS

EQ Brief Click here for a video summary of EQ Magazine

EAST QUARTERLY

PG. 1

EAST CORE core.eastinitiative.org

What students have to say about EAST CORE It helps to strengthen our skills preparing us for the real world. - Dalton I like EAST Core because it gives us a chance to leave the classroom and do something other than worksheets and bookwork. We actually get to talk and communicate rather than sit and be quiet. I think we should come out of the classroom more often. - Cody I like EAST Core because it gives us a hands-on approach to learning. - Dylan I like EAST Core because we are not sitting in a classroom listening to a teacher talking and trying to comprehend what she is saying. I learn better with hands-on. - Ryan I like EAST Core. It allows us to get out of the same ol’ classroom day after day. - Cade I like the Coordinated Learning Center because it’s more hands-on, and I get out of the classroom and get to be on computers and build things that I like. - Brianna I like EAST Core because it lets us deal with technology and learn a lot about different projects. - Anna

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The national focus in education is centered around implementation of the Common Core State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. There exists a heightened understanding for the need to provide opportunities for students to become better communicators, problem solvers and innovators.

EAST Core provides the necessary tools, resources and support to achieve teaching and learning excellence.

Participating schools experience a dynamic methodology to prepare students for competitive post-secondary studies and STEM careers. The use of advanced technology reflects real world application that is relevant for the 21st Century and STEM pipeline.

The EAST Initiative is uniquely situated to scale the EAST Core model with a large footprint in the state of Arkansas and a long track record of successfully seeding projectbased learning and 21st Century Skills into schools.

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PG. 3

Site Support Linking Your EAST Program

Michael Vincent Hot Springs High School

Linking Your EAST Program to Business, Industry and Resources EAST at Hot Springs High School was recently named a finalist in the national Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. The contest gave away more than $1,000,000 worth of technology to schools around the country. Samsung and its partners called on teachers to raise student interest in science, technology, engineering and math by inviting them to answer the challenge, “Show how science or math can help the environment in your community.” This was a great opportunity to showcase what EAST embodies in its innovative model of education.

As part of the contest guidelines, EAST students had to convince a panel of judges that their program is solving tomorrow’s problems with today’s technology. This was no easy task. To be chosen as one of 1,600 STEM program semi-finalists, students had to use a camcorder, laptop and video software provided through a grant to document the program’s innovative efforts, along with a documentary showing how the program is solving tomorrow’s problems.

The EAST students at Hot Springs began writing an essay describing their plan to document critical thinking and problem solving skills utilized while designing a threedimensional (3D) model to demonstrate severe flooding issues in their community. They also captured their attempts to analyze structural and medical problems with a 3D printer constructed in their EAST classroom.

Hot Springs learned the good news that they were selected as one of the 1,600 semifinalists. After winning equipment for their EAST program, they teamed up with American LIDAR and the city of Hot Springs, Arkansas to work on an engineering project in Hot Springs. Students used LIDAR laser equipment in an underground expedition to scan city tunnels and caves to provide renderings and a model of the structure for city officials and engineers. Students also created a video documentary during the process.

Following the LIDAR project, EAST at Hot Springs High School was informed that they finished in the top 15 STEM programs in the national competition. After the recognition, equipment and awards started rolling in: Samsung provided Hot Springs with seven 55inch HDTVs, three 65-inch HD monitors with touch overlays, five Ultrabooks, four 10.1-inch notebook computers and two copies of Adobe CS6. It was an exciting time for the EAST students and allowed them to showcase the innovative projects EAST students champion in programs across the country.

Students enjoyed working on the project and wish they could apply again next year. Once you receive an award from the contest, you cannot compete again. All EAST programs should give this competition a shot.

click here to read more

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By EAST Initiative

EAST Initiative 2013 Dominates News Coverage in Spring While several EAST programs gained news coverage for their individual projects, the 2013 edition of Conference still dominated press coverage this spring.

Fifteen Public Schools Across the Country Named as Finalist in Samsung’s $1 Million* Solve for Tomorrow Contest RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J.---- Fifteen public schools from across the country Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts...

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Harrison EAST Class Gets Chamber Award HometownDailyNews.com

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The Harrison School District 6th Graders from what’s known as the EAST class were awarded the Jerry McFarland Youth Group Award at the Har...

to Follow The EAST Initiative in the News on Storify. + Subscribe

Rison High EAST Project Tabbed National Finalist | Cleveland County Herald Posted by admin on Feb 13, 2013 in News, Photos | RISON - The Rison High School EAST lab’s project to help Rison Shine Downtow...

Students conduct ‘cool’ research Eureka Springs High School EAST Initiative members braved 27 degree temperatures, a windchill of 22 degrees and winds gusting 10 to 25 mp...

Sonora Makes Waves in Technology Program | NWAonline At A Glance EAST Programs EAST started with a single classroom program in Greenbrier in 1996. Since then it has spread to 220 schools in ...

Dardanelle EAST receives Award of Excellence, Superior rating at conference EAST at Dardanelle High School is the recipient of the Timothy R. Stephenson Founder’s Award of Excellence in Community and Collaboration

Ashley County Ledger > School News > Eight Attend Hot Springs Conference HHS students with their booth in Hot Springs. Eight HHS students, along with teacher Paula Gathings, attended the annual EAST Conference ...

Don’t miss more stories by EAST Initiative

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* 25th Annual Arkansas Business of the Year Awards EAST QUARTERLY

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Advancing Arkansas’ Future The future of Arkansas depends on a commitment to excellent STEM education involving government, the education system, students, families, and employers.

The STEM Coalition guides science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educational priorities to alignment with the business needs of the state.

If you are interested in solving the problems of science, technology, engineering, and math education in Arkansas we invite you to join the Arkansas STEM Coalition.

www.ArkansasSTEMcoalition.com Executive Director, Suzanne Mitchell, Ph.D. P.O. Box 3142 Little Rock, AR 72203

Did you know:    

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Arkansas ranks 50th in the number of college graduates.

Arkansas industries are not finding sufficient numbers of Arkansas-educated STEM graduates to fill available job openings.

Forty-two percent of Arkansas students who took a college placement exam in 2010, according to ADHE policy, were not ready for college level mathematics study.

Only 1,311 students received a Baccalaureate degree in STEMidentified subjects in 2009 - 2010, which is only 13% of college graduates in Arkansas.

The number of students enrolled as STEM post-graduates (master’s and doctoral levels) has declined in Arkansas by 25% over the past 5 years.

EAST QUARTERLY

National Service Project Announcement

The 2014 National Service Project will be announced at the 2013 EAST Initiative Summer Seminar Event 2013 NSP Opportunity & Entrepreneurship Winner

Monticello Intermediate School

Bridge Project click here to read more

EAST QUARTERLY

PG. 9

2013 EAST Conference Life of a Leadership Team Member / Save The Date

A Day in the Life of a Leadership Team Member Montana Ruth Technical Support Team Sum up your Conference experience.

To me Conference is like “A World of Endless Wonder.” It is simply amazing to see all of the creative and innovative projects that EAST students share. Every year, Conference has surprised me in new and unique ways.

What is the best part of working behind the scenes at Conference?

By working behind the scenes at Conference, I gained the opportunity of working with some of the best people that I have ever met. I had the opportunity to help others, which gave me a feeling of deep accomplishment.

Name three things that you gained from this experience.

By being a part of the Technical Support Team, I gained experience on how to work in a team. I also gained experience on why proper planning (or the lack thereof ) can make all the difference in the world. Overall, I gained real experience on what a computer tech support member would go through on a daily basis, which is something that will prepare me for my future career path.

Was there anything about the experience that surprised you or was unexpected?

The excitement of being a part of the Leadership Team was a bit of a surprise because I had been providing tech support to many people for some years now. I didn’t think this would be different. However, my team was thrown some interesting problems, and the reactions, decisions and outcomes of those problems were something that surprised me. During the last minutes of the closing session, I actually danced to Gangnam Style on stage with the friends that I had met just two weeks prior, and I felt like that was one of the best moments of my life. As I boarded our bus 15 minutes later, I thought about all of the experiences I had at Conference and all the great people I met.

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How was this year’s Conference experience as a Leadership Team Member different from previous Conference experiences as a participant? Was it more or less than you expected?

This year’s Conference experience was the best one out of three.

I was fully engaged with many aspects of Conference that, before serving on the Technical Support Team, I didn’t even know existed.

This year’s experience was way more than I expected, and because of this, I was surprised on many occasions.

How will this opportunity help you grow as a person?

Because I intend on following a career path in Computer Science and Technology, this experience has given me a taste of what my career will be like. I learned to work as a part of a team, right from the start.

I learned how to expect the unexpected and how to make the best with what you have.

What could you say to other students that would encourage them to apply to be a team member?

Being a part of the Technical Support Team is like being a part of something bigger. The sense of accomplishment I received when I helped others with their problems encouraged me to become more selfless and to use my knowledge and talents to help others who could benefit from it. As we were told, being a part of the Leadership Team shows you a whole new side of Conference and allows you to be one who made Conference a success and a great event.

Was there anything about the experience that surprised you or was unexpected?

Bryttani Barlett Documentation Team Sum up your Conference experience.

My Conference experience was extraordinary. I got to meet many interesting people and made lifelong friends with my team members on the Leadership Team. Working behind the scenes with the EAST Staff was really an honor because they are some of most influential individuals I have been around, and they helped make my conference experience distinct and unforgettable. Being a part of a team with a huge goal that has never been accomplished before kept me motivated to be the best I could be.

What is the best part of working behind the scenes at Conference?

The best part about working behind the scenes at Conference was being behind the scenes and seeing how Conference is managed and helping run it. Being a part of the documentation team and producing the conference video shown at closing session was really awesome. We were the first group to ever meet that deadline so that everyone could see it, and it was exhilarating. Working with all the different EAST people, from EAST Alumni to the Tech guys was just really rewarding because I was always learning something new and meeting new people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise. Being behind the scenes really opened my eyes to all the work that goes in to this event, and I loved it.

Name three things that you gained from this experience.

First, I would say confidence - being able to talk to my peers better and collaborating and working with them. I have never been good at communicating with people my age. I have always found it easier to talk to adults, and being on this team really helped me with that. I would list both lifelong memories and friendships. I have gained friends that I still talk to on a regular basis, and I am very grateful for that. I now have a group of people who share my love of videography.

There are so many good memories from Conference that I will never forget.

What was really unexpected about the entire experience was how fast the whole thing went. I knew it was going to be hectic. I felt like the days were long but they went by really quickly because I was having fun, but also stressing out at the same time. We had a schedule that was really full, so there was never a dull moment in the day. I am used to working in this type of environment but I normally work with people that are older than me, so that’s different and my days are slower. But working with my peers is different in the sense that we are all experiencing the same thing and we haven’t been doing this for a long time so we are all leading each other.

How was this year’s Conference experience as a Leadership Team Member different from previous Conference experiences as a participant? Was it more or less than you expected?

The experience of being a Leadership Team Member is very different from just being a participant. I noticed that many people looked up to me and gave me some type of seniority. They asked me questions and a lot of people tried to talk to me. It made me feel really important and that’s always a good feeling.

People became more interested in me and asked me how I became a part of the team and wanted to know how they could join in the future. But this was more than I expected. It wasn’t overwhelming, I just didn’t realize the huge amount of responsibility I had until I arrived on the first day and realized that it was all really happening.

How will this opportunity help you grow as a person?

Being on the Documentation Team helped me come out of my shell more around my peers. I can work really well with adults in the industry, but when I’m around my peers I have a bad habit of trying to take over and direct people. So I had to step back and let my team members contribute their thoughts openly and not direct people and take direction from each other. I feel like this helped me become a better leader and a better follower.

What could you say to other students that would encourage them to apply to be a team member?

I would tell any student that wanted to apply to go for it. The experience of being on the team is unforgettable and worth the long days of planning and working.

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PG. 11

Save The Date

March 19 - 21, 2014 Hot Springs Convention Center

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Student innovation comes alive at EAST technical training.

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Staff Member Spotlight Dondi Jackson - Senior Director of Curricular Integration

The Heart of EAST CORE Lifelong learning is more than a professional philosophy for Dondi Jackson; it’s a family legacy. She is a third generation educator and the Senior Director of Curricular Integration at the EAST Initiative. While Jackson may be the first member of her family to facilitate in an EAST classroom, her passion for education was inspired by similar principles introduced by her parents during her childhood. “My parents were always doing projects, exploring new things, and they encouraged us to explore, too,” Jackson said. “My brother and I developed diverse interests and a belief that learning was fun.” That passion for education instilled by her parents created a desire to nurture that same passion in as many students as possible.

While researching for a paper, Jackson received a vague phone call from Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the EAST Initiative, with limited information about a special project at EAST. The state of Arkansas was developing a comprehensive approach to address Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. Within months, EAST Core was born, and Jackson could not say no.

Originally from Cleveland, Mississippi, Jackson worked as an educator in her home

Expansion is already occurring, as two more schools will start the program in the

state for 12 years. She moved to Arkansas in 2004 and taught in several school districts before finding EAST. In 2006, when she was hired as a first-time facilitator at El Dorado High School.

2013-2014 school year.

After going through the required Phase training and visiting with EAST staff, Jackson could not hold in her enthusiasm for the program. “I was so excited about [EAST], it was all I could talk about for weeks and weeks,” she recalled.

Though she had received her Masters in Instructional Technology, she chose to go back to school and obtain her Specialist degree because she knew she could have a bigger impact. “Within months of working with the kids, I saw the transformation that took place within them. It was so powerful. I was moved to continue my education because of EAST,” said Jackson. In 2009, she received her Ed.S. in Educational Leadership from Arkansas State University.

Jackson went on to start an EAST program at Mountain View High School and facilitated that program for two years. Jackson’s EAST students received two EAST After Hours Grants to complete an afterschool leadership program and a teacher workshop, both conducted by EAST students. Her EAST program thrived.

“If it wasn’t for Dondi, I would not be where I am today,” says Marisa Damm, former EAST student at Mountain View High school and current Technical Support Group Member at the EAST Initiative.

“She started as my facilitator and grew into a lifelong friend.”

However, after personal trials, Jackson moved to Jonesboro, Ark. At that time, she did not have a formal relationship with EAST anymore, but she knew she was not finished with the educational program yet.

She began working on her doctorate in Educational Leadership at ASU. While working on that degree, she began working at Crowley’s Ridge Educational Cooperative as a Literacy Specialist.

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With support from the Arkansas Department of Education and STEM Works, EAST Core builds upon success of the EAST model by incorporating best practices into math and science classrooms. EAST Core began last year with five pioneer schools.

“We anticipate significant interest as we develop and implement EAST Core and it begins to gain traction,” said Jackson. “It is going to be hard to keep a lid on this program. This is such an incredible approach.”

EAST has provided exceptional opportunities for students since 1996. “Like EAST, EAST Core is moving forward as a national best practice model,” says Dr. Angela Kremers, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at the EAST Initiative. “EAST Core challenges students to apply what they are learning in STEM subjects by finding solutions to real world problems. Students learn best by connecting what they are learning to the context around them. EAST Core helps connect the dots of common core and the Next Generation Science Standards.”

While Jackson was a huge part of getting EAST Core off the ground, she credits all of the success to teamwork, both with her teammate, Melissa Gallegos, and the entire EAST Initiative team.

“We collaborate with almost the entire EAST staff depending on what project we are working on, but you cannot talk about EAST Core without talking about Melissa,” Jackson said. “She worked on the professional development of EAST Core, led the teacher training and took on the coordination of installation of the technology.”

“Everything that happened has led me to EAST Core and the greatest job ever. I always thought facilitating was my favorite, but it is this job,” Jackson said. “Honestly, in 2006, I didn’t know what EAST was. It just happened that the position was open and my resume matched what was needed to be a good facilitator.

However, EAST changed my life; facilitating an EAST program changed my life. I don’t know how I ended up at the right place at the right time because some people never find their passion, but I have. I am so lucky.”

Board Member Spotlight Dr. David Rainey

Lifting All Boats in the Delta The recent feature film “Mud” starring Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaughey, introduced moviegoers nationwide to the Arkansas Delta. Filming for the movie began in and around Dumas, Arkansas - a community Dr. David Rainey calls home. The Delta has pockets of extreme poverty at almost one-and-a-half times the national average. This is in a state where almost half of its residents live in rural areas compared to the national average of 21 percent. Despite these daunting facts, the region is where Dr. David Rainey shares his passion for building a better tomorrow.

When he speaks about the Delta, Dr. Rainey’s message of hope for the region’s youth and economic growth is clear. “You have to identify with a situation before you can understand how something can benefit it,” says Rainey. While there are many needs, education is critical for the region, and the EAST Initiative is one shining example of addressing that need. “We have to find education reform initiatives that are based in research, that get students engaged and ready to succeed. Then add to that parents and the community getting on board and excited – then you are half-way there,” adds Rainey.

The Delta was once a driving economic force in the state, and those with a true passion like Rainey’s for the region know what possibilities still exist. “Education is a survival issue for us, it needs to serve all kids well. When it succeeds, it will lift all boats,” says Rainey.

Dr. Rainey attended his first EAST conference in 2012 and was immediately impressed with how engaged and motivated the students were. He liked the social consciousness aspect of student projects. “We talk about 21st century skills for students to be globally competitive, but we need to re-enforce the critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills that actually propel students to compete, not just talk about it,” says Rainey.

Rainey brings to the EAST Board of Directors a wealth of experience and expertise. He is superintendent of public schools in Dumas, Arkansas.

His professional experience includes: serving as Arkansas state representative; being named assistant state director for the JBHM Education Group, a school improvement company; serving as visiting professor at University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; acting as program manager with Southwest Educational Development Laboratory; and being appointed Director of the Southeast Comprehensive Assistance Center.

Rainey’s service as state representative included participation on the Education Committee, as well as the Joint Budget, Insurance and Commerce, and Advanced Communications and Information Technology committees. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in History and Government from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff; a Masters in Secondary School Administration from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville; and a Doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Rainey is a true captain who is helping to lift all boats in the Delta and across the state

Dr. Rainey presenting students of Dumas High School to the Arkansas House of Representatives.

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PG. 15

Guest Blog

Fun With GIS 113: PBL? Look EAST!

Fun With GIS 113: PBL? Look EAST! By: Charlie Fitzpatrick

Republished with permission from Esri Stories of education woe abound. But good news exists, if you know where to look. Recently, I was privileged to attend two important events: the National Governors Association winter meeting and the annual conference of the EAST Initiative.

At the NGA meeting, governors and audience members heard a powerful presentation on the importance of entrepreneurship. Knowing how to engineer products is critical, said the speaker, but of limited value if not coupled with the ability to connect creation with user. When one governor asked why the US is not more successful getting students to complete school and be able to move into STEM-related jobs, the speaker replied (I’m paraphrasing here) “Our education systems may have worked in the past, but not anymore. What students need to do is projects, where they can engage deeply, take something from start to finish, learn how to do things that don’t have a clear right answer, and solve problems.”

At that point, I half-expected Governor Beebe from Arkansas to jump up and say, “Come see what we have!” Had I sat closer, I’d have elbowed him to do so. Arkansas deserves attention for their projectbased learning (PBL) program called EAST, for “Environmental And Spatial Technology.”

Last week, I was at the annual EAST conference.

About 2000 students from around 200 schools gathered at a convention center to show what they had done, learn from each other, celebrate their collective efforts, and inspire each other to reach higher. Adults designed EAST and lead the overall program, and each school has a “facilitator” to oversee things, but most of the day-to-day work through the year, and much of the conference, is conceived, designed, led, and performed by students. The students are given license — and expectation — to explore, create, organize, evaluate, problem-solve, and present. They learn quickly that hurdles abound in the world, and they must figure out how to overcome them. All activities must benefit a community beyond just the engaged student(s), which means presenting a product to the “audience/client/customer.” ALL work must consider the needs and desires of the recipient from the outset.

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Charlie Fitzpatrick, Esri Schools Program Manager Previous member of EAST’s Board of Directors and current member of EAST’s Advisory Council EAST classes are most often in high school but range in age from early college down into early elementary. Going to conference is an “earned privilege” at most schools. And student work ranges from “a good start” to stunning.

As part of a broad suite of advanced technologies, all EAST schools have ArcGIS Desktop Advanced (“ArcInfo”) and extensions. Most EAST classes have a few students who engage more deeply in working with GPS and GIS. They learn enough to get underway, and continue learning “as needed.”

Some students are just now beginning with ArcGIS Online; some have used ArcInfo for several years.

Esri hosted a “showcase competition” for GIS projects. Receiving honorable mentions were a community energy audit (7th graders from Harrisburg Middle School) and a community auto accident analysis (senior from Fayetteville High School). The winning project was a fabulous community storm water mapping project by seniors from Greenland High School, who completed for their town something that communities across the US must do.

The range of projects containing at least some GIS was impressive; the full range and quality of EAST projects is, in a word, stunning … like the kids themselves.

Telling observation: hotels are more excited to have EAST Conference show up than to see school or college sporting events, even though EAST kids vastly outnumber adults. In a decade of attending such events, I have yet to hear my first word spoken in anger. But I hear “May I show you …” and “How did you …” constantly. These are kids excited about at least some of their school experience. In its history, EAST has served 150,000 kids.

PBL is not easy for teachers and administrators to adopt quickly. It is not how most educators were schooled, and it is not easily supported by current policies which value precisely defined machine-scoreable metrics following a prescribed sequence of uniform experiences. But life is not like that. As the NGA speaker indicated, PBL can foster kids engaging in education more deeply; help them learn practical skills and integrate learning; allow them to explore, create, stumble, fail, revise, and move beyond; and keep them as an integral part of the community instead of apart from it.

GUEST BLOGGERS WANTED If you are a technology or education blogger and would like to be featured in EQ magazine, please submit your article for consideration to communications@eaststaff.org.

You could be our next Guest Blogger and have your article read by our community and supporters.

Sponsor Spotlight AUTIS

The AUTIS logo has been prominently displayed for a number of years at EAST’s annual conference, and the organization has long been a proponent of the EAST model. New Launchpad devices purchased with grant funds provided by AUTIS will be introduced into EAST classrooms in the fall of 2013. But who is AUTIS, and what do they do? The Arkansas Users of Telecommunications and Information Systems promotes the advancement of professional and technical knowledge in telecommunications and information systems management technologies. It is the only regional organization of its kind in Arkansas.

AUTIS was founded as a voluntary nonprofit organization, exclusively for educational and charitable purposes. Previously, they helped fund EAST’s web development, and they have been long-term sponsors of the EAST Conference. Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the EAST Initiative, values the public and political support provided by its membership as much as the technology. “We have had a long-term working relationship with AUTIS,” he said. “They have long been advocates for EAST and our mission. In return, we support them by developing their next generation of membership.”

“With continued sponsorship from AUTIS and other generous sponsors, the National EAST Conference successfully reaches over 2,000 students and educators from across the nation each year. As a national non-profit, we could not do it without this generous support.” - Dr. Angela Kremers

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PG. 17

Alumni Spotlight Sam Carrasquillo - Join the EAST Alumni

Sam Carrasquillo

North Pulaski High School - Class of 2001

When someone receives disappointing news, how do they usually respond to it? Most of us would answer with a resounding answer of anger, negativity or confusion. According to Sam Carrasquillo, however, you just have to get over it and work through it. When his dream of joining the NBA was shattered due to his 5’6” frame, he was challenged to discover new dreams. When he risked being sent back to the seventh grade, instead of moving to the ninth grade because of his poor English skills, he learned the language on his own with only a dictionary.

When several of his startup companies failed, he reset his vision and today is a successful entrepreneur.

Carrasquillo’s connection with EAST began when he and his family moved from Puerto Rico to the United States. He attended North Pulaski High School and caught the attention of much of the school’s faculty with his outgoing personality and built-in charm.

Among his teachers was Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the EAST Initiative. Dozier taught English, speech and was an EAST facilitator at NPHS at that time.

“Sam was a student of mine before he started in EAST, and it was obvious that he enjoyed working with and being around others,” said Dozier remembering his time with Sam. Carrasquillo was interested in EAST from the beginning, but he was unable to take the class until his junior year, due to EAST’s popularity. While in EAST, he was heavily involved in the Public Relations team, which later allowed him to become a national EAST ambassador. In that role, he traveled throughout the country, demonstrating the skills and technical abilities he learned in his EAST program.

“EAST grew beyond the borders of Arkansas because of students like Sam and their willingness to share their story. I always knew he would be successful, but I don’t think anyone – Sam included – thought he would be so successful so soon,” said Dozier. “EAST brought out the best in him, and he, in turn, helped be one of the best representatives the program has ever had.”

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Today, Carrasquillo is a successful entrepreneur in Arkansas. Among his other businesses, he founded SC Roofing, Windows and Siding in 2008, and the business continues to grow. He was honored to travel to Washington D.C. in 2012 to be named one of the Entrepreneurs of the Year. Carrasquillo credits EAST for enhancing his ability to build relationships and work hard.

“EAST taught me how to listen, problem-solve, communicate, be creative and grow relationships.

It is hard to work with other people, who might not be like you,” said Carrasquillo. “EAST also taught me how to inspire people, have passion and how to lead. EAST gave me vision, which gets you really far in life. When you look at a project, make sure you think about what it will become later on.”

As the alumni speaker at the 2013 EAST Conference, Carrasquillo openly shared his successes and failures. He advised EAST students not to make the same mistakes he did and set clear goals.

“It is not where you are born or how hard it was growing up that matters in life. It is how you finish. Work hard, but plan harder. If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

Dreaming is fun, but it doesn’t get results. Follow your plans, not your dreams.”

Carrasquillo dreams big, but follows it up with action.

He encouraged young EAST students to start their own businesses one day. He informed them to use all the help and resources available to those looking to get their ideas off the ground.

His advice may be just be worth heeding; his business ventures are now worth millions.

“Research, research, research before you start,” Carrasquillo advised. “Plan, plan, plan and execute your plan. Then repeat, repeat, repeat and you will have success.”

Register to become an Alumni for FREE today!

www.EASTalumni.org

/EASTalumni

@theEASTalumni

Who are the EAST Alumni?

Many students do not know that if they were ever a student in an EAST program or EAST Core class at their school they are considered part of the EAST Alumni. It doesn’t matter if you were only in EAST when you were in middle school or all throughout high school; if you were in EAST you are counted as part of the EAST Alumni! Isn’t that cool? We are a collection of former EAST students that still want to be involved in community projects, networking, growing with technology and giving back to EAST Schools. We also join up with the EAST staff to help make things happen at EAST Conference. We are hoping to grow as an association to make a difference in the world. The EAST Alumni website is a common ground for all of the alumni to stay connected with each other, keep up with events, questions, share stories and inspire each other. Sign up today to continue your EAST experience and prove that EAST students can change the world.

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Facilitator Spotlight James Miller / Mary LaVergne

James Miller Randall G. Lynch Middle School

Mary LaVergne

Students worked with an assisted living facility. They visited with the residents, helped them with various needs. Students remained in contact with residents throughout the year, forming bonds.

Project with the Department of Emergency Management. It included trainings for emergency response teams, community and students, evacuation plans, documents for emergencies, etc. We used videos, GIS/ GPS, and various hands-on trainings (fire extinguishers, etc.) The department of health and several other agencies were also involved.

The student-student, student-facilitator relationships that develop.

Student responsibility for learning and life are developed in EAST.

Why do you support EAST?

EAST allows students to experience real, meaningful problem-solving. Students make a real difference, which makes what they learn relevant.

EAST is the only place students can learn how everything fits together, while learning responsibility, problem solving, communication and service to their community.

Why do you think EAST is important to education for Arkansas and the US?

EAST builds skills in students that are essential to success. Critical thinking, teamwork and community service are important life skills.

EAST prepares students for the opportunities and careers that we have not even dreamed about.

How has EAST impacted you?

It has caused me to see greater potential in students.

What kind of progress have you seen in your students due to EAST?

They tend to be better independent thinkers, more self-motivated. They also are more aware of issues around them.

It has given me too many opportunities to mention, as well as memories.

I have seen many students go on to have service careers. Firemen, doctors, police, nurses, etc.

Where do you see your EAST program in five years?

I see our program being much more integrated into the community.

I have expectations that one of my former students will step in and take over the program when I retire.

Why did you decide to become an EAST facilitator?

I felt the EAST program would be a good fit for my teaching style with project-based, student-driven learning.

I was asked to act as a “translator� for the science and math teachers being sent to training because the administrators knew I wasn’t afraid of technology.

Would you recommend becoming an EAST facilitator to another teacher? Why?

Yes. It takes student-based learning to a new level.

Yes, EAST just makes sense.

Would you recommend enrolling in an EAST class to a student? Why?

Yes. They will push themselves to highs they never imagined.

Yes, and I have done so often. The EAST way makes sense when it comes to student learning and growth.

Please tell us about your favorite EAST project.

Please tell us your favorite thing about EAST in general.

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Malvern High School

Tech Tips from the EAST Initiative Technical Support Group

Technical Problem in Your Classroom?

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EAST Technical Support

Help Ticket

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It’s easy to get fast technical support from the EAST Technical Support Group with the help ticket system.

Before opening a help ticket, be sure to follow the suggested steps for resolving technical issues in the EAST Classroom.

Click here to open a new help ticket EAST QUARTERLY

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Geek Speak

Technical Support Spotlight - Launchpad Liftoff

Technical Support: Issue Spotlight To: EAST Technical Support From: Student Ticket: I just reinstalled Windows 7 Professional SP1 64-bit on our HP workstation using a non-HP branded Windows 7 installation disk. After reinstalling the operating system on a new hard drive (the old drive failed), I can’t join it to the network or access the Internet.

I have checked all connections to the back of the computer and everything including the network cable is plugged in. The network jack on the back of the computer is even showing a link light! Please help.

Background Information Often times when you reinstall a Windows operating system on a computer, especially from a standard Windows installation disk, you must install the appropriate drivers after the Operating System’s initial setup and configuration is complete. Windows includes some drivers as part of the default Windows installation; however, this is not at all a comprehensive driver database and often times additional drivers must be downloaded and installed. In this case, the most probable issue is that the network drivers are missing since the student is getting a link light on the network card, but is not able to access the Internet or the internal network.

Troubleshooting Tips 1

When you reinstall an operating system, the first thing you should do is check if additional drivers need to be installed. To do this on a Windows 7 workstation, go to Start, right-click on Computer, and select Properties.

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When Device Manager appears, look for any devices that are listed under Other devices that have a question mark or an exclamation point next to them. Notice in the screenshot below that Ethernet Controller has an exclamation point next to it and is listed under Other devices. This means we need to install drivers for this device.

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You will now be presented with the System window. Take note of the System type listed in the main window (in this case 64bit Operating System; this describes the system architecture which is needed when searching for a driver). Next, click on Device Manager in the left upper corner of this window.

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To locate the necessary drivers to install, you really have two

When the Ethernet Controller Properties window appears, click

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on the Driver tab as shown below. Then click on Update Driver.

options.

1. If you have the original drivers disk that came with the computer, you could use that to install the drivers.

However, EAST TSG recommends that you always download the latest version of the appropriate drivers from the manufacturer’s product support website. You’ll need to know the Make and Model of the workstation before you can download the drivers, as well as the Operating System (Windows 7 Professional SP1) as well as the Architecture type (64-bit).

2. If the machine you’re working on doesn’t have a working internet connection, you can use another working machine to download and save the drivers to a USB flash drive, then extract/install them on the non-working machine.

Need to determine how to find the latest drivers and support

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Next, a window appears asking you how you want to search for driver software. Click on Browse my computer for driver software.

resources for your Dell or HP workstation? Visit one of the tutorials below for instructions. If you’re still having trouble locating the proper drivers or your brand isn’t listed below, please contact

TSG@eaststaff.org for further assistance.

Dell: http://eastinitiative.org/tutorialssupport/

Tutorial.aspx?Id=217 HP: http://eastinitiative.org/tutorialssupport/

Tutorial.aspx?Id=165 5

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Next, a window appears asking you to browse to the driver’s location. For this example, I previously downloaded the

Once you have the drivers downloaded and have extracted

Ethernet driver from HP’s website, and then extracted

the files from an archive such as (.zip), you need to install

its contents to C:\Drivers\HP\Ethernet. Your path may

the drivers. To do this, right-click on Ethernet Controller and

be different – just remember where you downloaded and

select Properties if they don’t install automatically.

extracted the driver to and provide that path here (or browse to it), then click Next.

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After clicking Next, Windows installs the driver software from the location you specified.

10 Once the driver installs, you’ll be presented with the screen

below. Click Close.

Learn Programming in the world of Microcontrollers

Launchpad Liftoff The EAST Initiative strives to bring the

As a developer, it is a cool thing to keep trying new technology projects because even if most of them fail, you may have one or two that eventually get adopted [by the general public].

- Dung Dang

“

“

latest and greatest technology into the EAST classroom. As part of our ongoing effort, we would like to introduce you to the Texas Instrument’s Launchpad microcontroller. Our aim with the Launchpad is to get students interested in programming and electronics.

In order to learn more about the Launchpad, we interviewed two of the TI employees that helped to create it, Adrian Fernandez and Dung Dang. They both helped to create the Launchpad, but each worked on separate parts of the project.

Adrian is a microcontroller customer experience manager at TI, and Dung is a microcontroller application engineer. They also co-authored a book entitled “Getting started with the MSP430 Launchpad.”

The book is designed to let people with no previous knowledge of programming or electronics get familiar with the Launchpad Microcontroller.

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You will now be returned to the Device Manager window, where you should see that the Other devices category has

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If you still see your device listed under Other devices after following these steps, you may not have downloaded the

now disappeared, and the Ethernet Controller is now

correct driver, or the driver you downloaded may not be the

installed and listed under Network adapters.

correct version for the installed Operating System. Recheck the driver file you downloaded for compatibility with regard to Operating System (Windows XP, Windows 7, etc.) as well as architecture (32-bit or 64-bit). If you still have issues, please contact the EAST TSG for further assistance.

So what exactly is a microcontroller?

Composer Studio will let you do whatever

Combined with the community, the software

A microcontroller is essentially a small

you want with the Launchpad, it’s not the

and an inquisitive mind, the Launchpad

computer that can be programmed. It’s

easiest software to learn.

can enable a student to accomplish

as simple as connecting your Launchpad

anything they can imagine. The resources

to your computer with a USB cable and

Energia is an open source program

available make it easy for anyone to get

installing a program. Then you write

created by the online community for

started. Project ideas abound online with

code on your computer and send it to

everyone to use. Energia is designed

everything from farming irrigation control

the Launchpad to execute. There are an

to be simple, intuitive and easy to learn.

to making everyday objects interactive, the

unlimited number of things you can do

Energia can be downloaded from Energia.

Launchpad has nearly unlimited potential.

with a microcontroller, but a very simple

nu. The community worked hard to bring

example would be to hook up a button

great resources together under the

and a LED to the Launchpad. When you

Energia website.

press the button, the Launchpad would detect it and then turn on the LED. The

Dang and Fernandez, co-authored

Launchpad works by searching for some

“Getting Started with the MSP430

kind of input; performing calculations

Launchpad,” an extremely easy-to-follow

based on that and then providing an

and informative book that walks the

output. By itself, the Launchpad is able

reader through many project examples

to run programs, perform calculations

while it explains what the microcontroller

and blink an LED (Light Emitting Diode).

is doing.

But where the Launchpad really starts to shine is when you plug in a Booster Pack.

In addition to the book, there is also an entire online community at 43oh.com.

The Launchpad was originally targeted

This online community shares code

for engineers, and so was the software

snippets, libraries for booster packs and

to use it. Code Composer Studio is a

general how-to and frequently asked

professional-level, powerful tool that TI

questions. The 43oh community is eager

designed for engineers to write code for

to help by sharing code and inspecting

their Launchpad devices. While Code

code for fellow members.

Adrian Fernandez and Dung Dang showcase the Launchpad at the Maker Faire

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PG. 25

Project Profiles

Meerkat Exhibit Model created by EAST Middle School Students for the Little Rock Zoo

(AR) Meerkat Exhibit - (CA) 3D Laser Capture

EAST Students Design Meerkat Exhibit at Little Rock Zoo When Joe T. Robinson Middle School students Nick Kohler, John Bell, Jake Kohler, Cameron Tyler, Grant Scott and Andrew DosSantos brainstormed ideas about a project of interest, they never dreamed their idea would turn into a real exhibit at the Little Rock Zoo. This four-year project has progressed over time with new students stepping in for those who had moved up in school. The students used their skills to build a VersaCad (2D) and Trimble SketchUp (3D) model of a Meerkat exhibit. These models came to life when the EAST students collaborated with the Little Rock Zoo in hopes of creating the actual exhibit.

There are also glass walls on the sides of the exhibit for viewing. A keeper house on one end of the exhibit allows meerkats to enter and be cared for by zoo employees. Overall, it is a strong re-creation of a meerkat’s natural habitat.

The EAST middle school students shared their 3-D model of what the real exhibit will look like with zoo staff. The design included an African theme of the exhibit, incorporating a thatched-roof keeper house, restroom and straw-covered awnings. The glass dome in the center is a viewing area for children who can crawl through tubes to access it. It gives a feel of being right next to a meerkat.

The construction date to begin building the exhibit has not been determined, but when the project is completed, the EAST students cannot wait to see people enjoy the exhibit and learn more about meerkats.

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The Little Rock Zoo was very interested in the exhibit idea and renderings and began a cost analysis. Students created an informational meerkat brochure and a physical model of the exhibit to display and share with the zoo and those involved in the planning.

Mission Santa Inés Captured in 3D as High School Students Take Technology to New Level Raiza Giorgi is a Noozhawk contributing writer from the Santa Ynez Valley.

She can be reached at bellaphoto04@gmail.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.

Students hid behind pepper trees at Mission Santa Inés in Solvang on a recent Friday morning as they took images and scanned structures for their one-of-akind project involving a 3-D laser.

A group of students in the Environmental and Spatial Technologies (EAST) program at Santa Ynez Valley Union High School are among the first high school students in the world to use Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), which rapidly captures millions of points to construct a 3-D image of an object.

“This technology allows us to reconstruct objects, buildings and other things that are historic and valuable so in case anything happens like a fire or flood, it can be recreated,” said McKensey Richmond, a junior in the program.

After watching a TED talk about the laser technology, Superintendent Paul Turnbull got together with teacher Chip Fenenga and Santa Barbara County Regional Occupation Program (ROP) director Tony Bauer to introduce the technology at the school. Created by CyARK, an Oakland-based nonprofit organization, the objective is to digitally preserve cultural heritage sites by collecting, archiving and providing access created by laser scanning, digital modeling and other state-of-the-art technologies.

“With this laser scanner and software you can literally fly through and around structures or objects, and it has an accuracy down to the millimeter,” Fenenga told Noozhawk. “The opportunity these students have with this is amazing because it provides hands-on experience that is way ahead of the field.”

Stephanie Aichinger, a Santa Ynez High senior, is considering attending Cal Poly San Luis Obispo as an architecture major, especially since she has had been using

the EAST program to document the mission, the mission’s Grist Mill for the Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation and horse carriages for the Santa Ynez Valley Historical Society.

“To be able to preserve these historical pieces for the future is so cool.” Aichinger said. “The aspect of architecture I like is how building design mimics the society and people of that era, so this project fits those together.”

The laser scanner is positioned up to 43 yards away from the object and rotates to capture more than 1 million measurements every minute. The scanner also takes color pictures of the scan area and maps the color or texture information.

“We then take the scans and put them together into the program and select what we don’t want, like shadows or people walking through the area,” said Alice Mullin, a senior student involved with the project. “Once the image is cleaned up, the 3-D model is created.”

CyArk is using this technology for its worldwide CyArk 500 Challenge, which is to digitally preserve 500 of the most important world heritage sites over a five-year period. Sites include the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Mayan ruins and many other notable places.

The LiDAR technology has application in fields like agriculture, archaeology, atmospheric physics, forensics, forestry, geology, geomorphology, military and law enforcement, mapping and remote sensing.

“Our hope it to make this technology available to the community so they can essentially borrow the laser and use it for many things, like scanning local archaeological sites, in forensic cases scanning crime scenes or mapping trail systems,” Fenenga said.

Fenenga noted that UC Santa Barbara and Cal Poly don’t have the technology, and he said he hopes the school can work with them in the future.

Santa Ynez Valley Union High School students are using Laser Imaging Detection and Ranging to document and help preserve Mission Santa Inés. ( Raiza Giorgi / Noozhawk photo) - Reprinted with permission from Raiza Giorgi.

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California

Oklah

Where EAST Is

Click here to view the full list of schools

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homa

Pennsylvania

Iowa

Arkansas

Louisiana

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EAST Gear Order Today!

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EAST Gear Items 1 Hat 2 Lanyard 3 Black Ltd. Edition Shirt 4 EAST Bandz (pkg of 2) 5 PJ Pants 6 Zipper Cinch Bag *Items not pictured

Long Sleeve T-Shirt Boxers Conference Hoodie

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PG. 31

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EAST Staff New Staff / All Staff

Lacey Brooks Communications Assistant It is a privilege to be back at EAST for the summer again, not as the intern, but as the Communications Assistant. I recently received my Bachelor’s in Mass Communications and minor in Psychology from Ouachita Baptist University. I look forward to a fun and busy summer working on the next issue of EQ and getting the word out about EAST!

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Marisa Damm Technical Support Group - Member I was an EAST student at Mountain View High School for three years. Currently, I am an EAST Scholar at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Information Science, with a minor in American Sign Language. I am originally from Toledo, Ohio, but I am excited to be back in Arkansas, helping a program that is so dear to me!

In the past, I have been very active in 4-H and was inducted into the Arkansas 4-H Hall of Fame in 2004. I was also a 2004 Arkansas Governor’s Award Finalist. I play the piano, fiddle and clog. In my free time, I enjoy photography and sewing.

I have taught everything from Algebra I to Pre-Calculus/Trigonometry and College Algebra. I taught at Hamburg Junior High School, Monticello High School, Watson Chapel High School and Star City High School.

I am excited and looking forward to helping teachers become more effective and efficient in their teaching. Students need a connection from school to their lives. EAST Core makes the connection for students and helps them to see the relationships of the expectations for school.

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EAST CORE Coordinator

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Lori Andrews

2013 EAST Staff.

We are here to help you rise to your full potential.

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