UGA to Host TEAMS Competition for Area High School Students

Georgia high school students will have an opportunity to participate in a unique learning experience when the University of Georgia hosts a Junior Engineering Technical Society's TEAMS competition on Thursday, Feb. 19.

TEAMS, which stands for Tests of Engineering, Aptitude, Mathematics and Science, brings math and science to life for students, fostering creativity, critical thinking, teamwork and problem solving, said John Mativo, an assistant professor in the College of Education's department of workforce education, leadership and social foundations; and member in the faculty of engineering. Mativo will be working with Chi Thai, an associate professor in the department of biological and agricultural engineering, which is co-sponsoring the project.

The one-day competition will feature high school students (grades 9-12) participating in teams of four to eight members, using real-world applications of math and science to solve some of today's greatest engineering challenges. The TEAMS 2009 theme is "Behind the Scenes: Theme Parks."

There are two parts: a 90-minute, 80 multiple choice question session and a 90-minute, open-ended, four-question session.

"This competition can inspire your students far beyond the classroom by helping them see the wonders math and science can bring to life such as roller coasters, monitoring equipment in hospitals, at play grounds and more," said Mativo. "When students compete in TEAMS they learn the answer to that age-old question, 'When will I ever use this?' And the answer is as an engineer."

The competition benefits students by showing them why math and science matters in the real world. Its academic rigor challenges students with new academic topics and presents new ideas. In addition, participants get inside information about college scholarships and could win great prizes, said Mativo.

More than 14,000 students across the country compete annually in TEAMS competitions. Questions are aligned with national education standards. UGA is one of three sites hosting the competition in Georgia. Other sites are Atlanta University Center and Savannah State University.

Although space is limited, there is still time to register. The deadline for registration is Jan. 22. Schools already registered to participate include: A. R. Johnson Health Science and Engineering Magnet High School, Cross Creek High School, Grayson High School, Hephzibah High School, Lucy C. Laney High School and The Academy of Richmond County.

To register or see more information, see www.jets.org/teams/index.cfm.

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