Welcome to Week 5 of AusPREP Online!
In this newsletter, you'll find information about:
- This week's lesson modules - Problem Solving II and Computer Science II
- Weekly schedule and virtual office hours
- Meet the instructor of the week - Dr. Hogue
- Career Awareness - STEM Professional of Color Virtual Panel
- Featured resources for extending learning
- How to access AusPREP Online
- Registration information
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If you haven't registered for AusPREP Online yet, there is still time!
Registration is open throughout the summer
. Click the Register Now link, or scroll down for more information on registration.
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If you decided to grow your own vegetables, you would have to do a lot planning in terms of space, laying out your garden, and plotting what would grow where. You might would ask yourself something like: how much space do I need to grow both cucumbers and carrots? The answer to the question is a number and requires math, but the problem itself isn’t presented as a simple mathematical operation. Most mathematical problems we face are just like this one, conceptual at first. To answer your question, you’d have to gather your data and determine how the different elements of a garden relate to each other, then with this information, begin to develop numbers that make sense in solving your problem.
This problem-solving course focuses on strategies and critical thinking as applied to conceptual mathematical problems, better known as word problems. Like real life, most of our problems are presented in words, and in this course we will work on strategies to transform those words in to mathematical statements and, ultimately, solutions. Our main emphasis will be on HOW we solve problems. What processes exist to help us tackle seemingly overwhelming problems? And, how and when do we best use them?
Specifically, we will explore the following strategies:
- Guess and Test
- Use a Variable
- Look for a Pattern
- Make a List
- Solve a Simpler Problem
- Draw: Picture, Table, or Diagram
- Reasoning: Direct & Indirect
- Make a List
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Our Computer Science Module is continued this week with more Java programming.
By the end of this track, you’ll have all the skills required to build your own websites or even start a career
with one of the thousands of companies that have a website.
Students will continue their introduction to the JavaScript Programming language. JavaScript is used in our every-day activities. When you browse the web, play online games, stream internet radio or check your Facebook page, etc. you are using JavaScript. JavaScript is used to control how a web browser looks, behaves, and communicates. Students will learn the “Canvas” concept and how to use basic JavaScript commands. Since JavaScript remains at the core of web development, it’s often the first language learned by self-taught coders eager to learn and build. We’re excited for what you’ll be able to create with the JavaScript foundation you gain here. JavaScript powers the dynamic behavior on most websites, including this one.
Full Stack JavaScript
Web Developers working with different frameworks, libraries and languages will certainly be required to use JavaScript professionally. JavaScript powers the interactivity and the user experience on every major website. From user interfaces that provide richer desktop-like experiences to real-time data and messaging applications, you'll find JavaScript in the browser, on your phone and on the server. In this track we'll introduce you to the JavaScript language, and the ins-and-outs of adding interactivity in the browser. Once you're up to speed with JavaScript in the browser, you'll learn Node.js, a popular JavaScript platform for writing and using JavaScript applications outside of the browser. For example, command line applications for improving your workflow, dynamic websites and much more.
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Office hours are optional. This time is for students to ask questions of the instructor and check-in with us and each other. We've added extra Computer Science hours this week so you have more chances to engage with the instructors and ask questions.
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Problem Solving Virtual Office Hours
with Dr. Hogue
Tuesday, July 7th, 11 am-12:30 pm
Meeting ID: 934 0789 2511
Password: 466472
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,93407892511# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,93407892511# US (San Jose)
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Computer Science Virtual Office Hours
with Dr. Okpalaeze and Mr. Onyema
Monday, July 6th, 11 am-12:30 pm
Meeting ID: 946 8373 3279
Password: 466472
Wednesday, July 8th, 11 am - 12:30 pm
Meeting ID: 920 0471 3917
Password: 466472
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Dr. Sarah Hogue, known to the students at AusPREP as Dr. H, teaches Political Science at Huston-Tillotson University. Her research focuses on the biggest social problems facing young people and their families. Most recently, Dr. H published an article in
Youth & Policy,
focusing on the response of youth policy and the role of youth workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her work in youth policy, Dr. H also loves to draw and cook. In fact, she once won a cooking contest using only raw fruits and vegetables, claiming the title of “Top Sustainability Chef” at Bridgewater State University. Most importantly, Dr. H is a tia, a godmother, and a grandmother, and her greatest skill is making little kids laugh.
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Career Awareness - STEM Professionals of Color
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We are excited to bring to you our first virtual Career Awareness session. We are calling this event our
Inaugural STEM Professionals of Color Panel.
Four distinguished professionals of color will be discussing their paths to STEM careers, and the importance and shifts in their work due to the pandemic. Panel moderated by Carmaleta McKinnis-Williams, Proverbs 31 Consulting.
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Your voice is important in this discussion! We want to hear how you are doing, and we will have surprises (think
prizes) for superior student participation during the event.
Event link
Meeting ID: 963 0918 1183
Password: 617162
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,96309181183# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,96309181183# US (San Jose)
Help us spread the word!
This event is open to all, whether registered for AusPREP Online or not. Everyone is welcome to participate.
Please share this newsletter or the event registration, found here:
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Jai Chapple is currently a Quality Analyst at Indeed.com. While at Indeed, she has been instrumental in advocating for underrepresented groups and sparking conversations around intersectionality. This advocacy has afforded her the opportunity to host and speak on panels as well as travel to various events to assist with Indeed’s diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
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Jeff
Hutch
inson, MD is a retired US Army Colonel, Adolescent Medicine specialist, and an executive consultant for leadership, diversity and inclusion. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the United States Military Academy and his medical degree from the University of California San Francisco his career includes combat in Iraq, and assignments across the globe. His dual mission is to provide healthcare for the underserved and help organizations be more anti-racist.
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James Matlock Jr. attended Jackson State University and Northern Illinois University. He majored in Political Science with a Minor in Business Administration and received a Bachelor of Science Degree. James' diverse employment includes the Attorney General’s Office, State Auditor’s Office and the Austin Energy. James currently holds multiple certifications as a Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Auditing Professional, International Standard Organization Auditor, (ISO 9001) and Project Management Professional. Currently, he serves as a Program Manager within the District Energy and Cooling Section of Austin Energy. In his personal life, James has been married to Veronica Jordan-Matlock for over 28 years and has two sons, James Matlock III and Alex Matlock.
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Dr. Jewel Mullen is a senior leader at Dell Medical school. During her career, she has practiced internal medicine, done research, directed a community health center, and worked as a leader in state and federal government public health agencies. In addition to being a doctor, she has master’s degrees in public health and public administration. She has devoted her career to creating opportunities for all people to be as healthy as possible.
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In addition to AusPREP Online, we are happy to connect participants to high-quality resources available from outside sources that will extend learning and enrichment. The links will also be accessible via the
AusPREP homepage
and
here
.
National Children's Musuem
- The National Children’s Museum has collected an extensive list of various activities kids can do while at home, along with a list of free resources for parents and educators, including as how to discuss the impacts of COVID-19 with children.
Girls Who Code
- Closing the gap of gender in technology and changing the image of what a programmer looks like can begin at home with Girls Who Code online computer science educational activities. Each week, activities of varying difficulty levels will be released and can be downloaded freely.
Skype a Scientist
- Calling all group leaders, teachers and families - Have you ever wanted to Skype a Scientist? Well, now you can! Just complete the form on their website, and they’ll match you with a scientist who will suggest a good time to connect. You will then be able to have a one-on-one Q&A session with your scientist. There are also classroom lesson plans and resources for teachers to help guide their class.
Association of Science-Technology Centers
- Calling all middle school students! The Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) created a digital interactive comic book, “Transmissions Gone Viral,” to help students understand how diseases can spread from humans to animals and to other animals in an entertaining and informative format. They also provide a resource guide for parents and educators to use as curriculum.
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How to Access AusPREP Online
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How to access AusPREP Online
We are using an online learning platform, Canvas, to host the AusPREP Online lesson modules. Some students may be familiar with this platform (Blend) from their home school districts.
Once registered, we will create an account on Canvas for this course for you. After the account is created, you will receive an email asking you to complete your registration and create a password for Canvas.
To return to the AusPREP Online course after your password has been created. You will use
this portal
, and select the login for AusPREP.
For families with multiple students wanting to access AusPREP Online, it is recommended you create separate accounts using different email addresses for each student to track progress through the course material. Please submit separate registration request for each student.
Please reach out to us if you have any issues logging on or accessing materials. We are here to help! Contact us at
ausprep@htu.edu.
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AusPREP Online Registration
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Registration is still open!
AusPREP Online is series of self-paced lessons you can access anytime free of charge.
We will accept new student registrations anytime this summer. Click the "Register Now" ribbon to be taken to the registration request form,
also found here
.
Each week, the lessons are presented as a 5-day module. We are launching one new module a week, but all lessons will be available for the entire summer once they are released. So, students are free to work on them anytime.
If you have registered, but haven't received your email confirmation, please hold tight for us!
We are working to process registration requests as quickly as possible.
You will receive an email asking you to complete your registration followed by the link to create an account for Canvas.
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Thank you for your continued support of AusPREP and patience this summer. We will be adding content and times to connect online throughout the summer. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone who might be interested in AusPREP.
We look forward to the time when we can host everyone on campus again in 2021. If you have any questions, please contact Karen Magid, AusPREP Director,
kmagid@htu.edu
.
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Austin Pre-Freshman Engineering Program (AusPREP) at Huston-Tillotson University is one of the Texas Pre-Freshman Engineering Programs (TexPREP) located on college campuses in Texas. PREP was founded to identify high achieving middle and high school students with the potential and interest in becoming scientists and engineers and to reinforce them in the pursuit of these fields.
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