Attleboro Conference to Help LAUNCH Tomorrow's Entrepreneurs

Attleboro will be host to a conference on Friday, April 8, that is intended to boost interest in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education and to provide entrepreneurs with resources on how to protect their intellectual property. 

The LAUNCH conference is a program of the Museum at the Mill, a non-profit organization in Attleboro. Katherine Honey, chairwoman of LAUNCH, said the event will include more than 20 exhibits; a panel discussion on closing the STEM gap; and workshops on protecting intellectual property, business development and understanding public-private partnerships. 

During the conference, which will be held at and is slated to begin a noon, there will be a panel discussion on developing skills based on STEM literacy and invention and using collaboration between educators, policy makers and business leaders to close the STEM gap. Nancy Sprague, director of teaching and learning excellence for Attleboro schools, is one of many panelists.

"Closing the STEM achievement gap begins in Pre-K and continues every year until students graduate," Sprague said. "Students at the elementary level are engaged in science activities that integrate reading and writing skills such as the upcoming Community Garden; middle school students complete hands-on experiments that familiarize them with the key concepts in science, engineering and mathematics, such as designing new and improved sneakers."

Sprague went on to say that high school students have exciting options to choose from, including advanced study in physics and designing effective electrical systems for new homes.

"Engaging all students in relevant and exciting science, technology, engineering and mathematics challenges provides opportunities for all students to succeed," Sprague added.

Nandini Patel, director ofin Attleboro, and her staff are participating in LAUNCH 2011 and are compiling information on activities that they use with young children to introduce STEM language, according to Patel. Teachers at Busy Bees are keeping track of activities and developing a ready-to-use chart that shows STEM vocabulary and activities that introduce and reinforce children's understanding of each word on the chart.

With an added emphasis on STEM skills, the staff is providing the groundwork for students who will encounter STEM concepts in third and fourth grade.

"Research shows that 90 percent of brain development occurs by the age of 5," Patel said. "Consequently, introducing language before the age of 5 is critical."