Carl Junction youngsters learn 'Wonders of Transportation'

It’s not every day that kindergarteners get a chance to fly a plane, race an electric car, or compete in a boat race, but for the students at Pittsburg State University’s Technology Education Department, there’s no age limit to hands-on learning.

After six weeks of helping Carl Junction R-1 teachers integrate some of the newest technologies in their classrooms, the PSU students will present “Wonders in Transportation,” from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2, at the Carl Junction Primary School gymnasium. Transforming the room into a larger-than-life “discovery center,” the expo will offer hands-on demonstrations in space, human-powered, water, land, air, integrated transportation.

In its fifth year, the expo series has focused on topics such as science, invention, flight, and the ocean. This year’s expo will include the participation of more than 500 kindergarten and first-graders. It is the capstone project for the technology education majors.

Mike Neden, PSU assistant professor in technology education, says the event is a great way for future technology educators to see how much children can learn when they use technology to compliment the lesson.

“In today’s world, many teachers are graduating from college without much applied learning with technology,” he said. “This is a way for our students to work with real teachers and real kids and use it in the classroom.”

For more information on the “Wonders of Transportation” event, contact Professor Mike Neden at 620-235-4379.

---Pitt State---