Raytheon organizes MathMovesU Mission to Mars challenge on MARS Day
To encourage young people's interest in math and science, Raytheon, as part of its Mars Day festivities, organized an interactive and entertaining event. The program, MathMovesU Mission to MARS challenge, included a sequence of Mars-related activities for children ages 11 to 13. It also included hosting the YMCA campers at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's annual MARS Day. The winner of the national MathMovesU Mission to MARS online math challenge was announced at the ceremonies. Summer campers from the Calomiris, National Capital, and Capital View branches of the Metropolitan Washington YMCA constructed models of the solar system. More than 700 sixth to eighth-grade students nationwide took part in the space-themed online math competition. Raytheon, a defense technology company with 73,000 employees worldwide, believes in promoting interest in math and science as a way of tackling future shortages of engineers and technologists.
Four new appointees at Indiana Commission for Higher Education
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently made four appointments to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is a 14-member commission that serves as a coordinating agency for public higher-education institutions in the state. Robert L. Bowen of Fishers, a Purdue University graduate and the founder of Bowen Engineering Corp., was reappointed to the commission as an at-large member for a four-year term. Jud Fisher of Muncie, the executive associate director of the Ball Brothers Foundation, will be representing the 6th Congressional District for four years per the commission requirements. George Rehnquist of Princeton, with an undergraduate degree from DePauw University and law degree from Indiana University, Bloomington, will be representing the 8th Congressional District. Rehnquist currently heads the Gibson County Tourism and Visitors Bureau. Kathleen Tobin, Ph.D., an associate professor of Latin American Studies, will be serving on the commission for two years. She pursued her master's degree at Purdue University Calumet.
Ex-justice recommends governors promote civic education for youth
In the wake of assaults on judicial authority across the country, former Supreme Court justice Sandra Day O'Connor recently emphasized the need to educate youth on government. A proposal by citizens to sue judges for their official acts and the initiative to limit appellate judges' terms contributed largely to her reaction. Though the proposals were rejected, O'Connor was of the opinion that such attacks, for fear of political retribution, can erode the confidence and competency of judges when deciding cases. Speaking at the annual meeting of the National Governors Association, O'Connor said that court rulings must be based on legality and not popularity. She recommended that the nation's governors urge public schools to incorporate improved civic instruction. She was of the opinion that such changes would help citizens appreciate the division of power among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
