As I reflect on my internship with CommScope, my biggest “aha” moment has been the realization that I have an opportunity to share with students and colleagues my experience working with a company that has given the world the ability to communicate with each other.  CommScope has been in the business of making cable for many years.  They have provided employment for many over the years and a large number of current employees are 20 to 30 year veterans.  I’m amazed to think that as a small community, we are all connected to the rest of the world because of the work of CommScope and the manufacturing of cable made practically in my backyard.

As a science teacher it is easy to discuss science around the world, but I have wanted to take that discussion to another level.  While sharing at our last PD, I visualized just how this could look in the classroom.  CommScope is all over the world in countries such as China, Germany, Mexico, Scotland, Ireland, Brazil, with manufacturing sites all over the US.  I have gained knowledge about global environmental issues such as ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) and the WEE Directive (Waste Electrical Electronic).  There are so many new “connections” I have made this summer and I am looking forward to sharing these experiences with my students.

My summer experience with CommScope has caused me to rethink my entire classroom setting and presentation.  I am creating flipped assignments and developing classroom labs.  I can easily tie in the knowledge I gained with the entire 8^th grade science curriculum.

I will begin by making connections with chemistry, the arrangement of plastics, metals, metalloids on the Periodic Table and how they are used in the world of communications.  I will also utilize my mentor’s knowledge to create activities related to communications, (A timeline of communications). I will also engage students in the process of becoming globally conscience, by making intentional decisions to recycle, reuse and reduce our resources. This will tie into the Earth science unit.  To incorporate life science, I will use the examples from the waste water treatment plant to help students understand the benefits of bacteria in decomposing and cleaning of waste water as well as using Genetically Modified organism in their holding pond to keep the water clean.

I have learned the value and purpose of many careers in engineering as well as gaining an appreciation for those who love math! After working with approximately 30 engineers of different backgrounds and services, I can better direct students when choosing possible careers and in developing their academic plan for high school.