For more information, contact Gary Kruchowski, 218 (733-7649), g.kruchowski@lsc.edu or Janet Blixt, (218) 723-4743 or j.blixt@lsc.edu 

Expo Exposes Students to Need for Math and Science 

(Duluth, Minn.) -- Math and science are everywhere, especially when it comes to today's careers.  An auto technician uses geometry to align wheels.  A medical laboratory technician uses high tech equipment and their knowledge of chemistry and biology to aid in the diagnosis of disease.  Firefighters must understand chemistry and hydraulics. 

Area educators want to help students discover how important math and science will be in their future occupations.  That is why they have developed the "Math and Science Student Expo."   

Lake Superior College (LSC) will host the sixth annual Expo on Thursday, April 6.  Nearly 600 students from 15 area high schools are slated to attend the event.  Beginning at 9:15 a.m. and continuing until 12:45 p.m., students will arrive and depart on a staggered schedule. 

The central theme of the Student Expo is to demonstrate the practical application of math and science skills in various career areas.  "We're planning to provide activities that will help students to realize the need for math and science," explains Harry Cottrell, one of the event's coordinators and LSC's Director of Extended Campus Programs.  "When students see real life applications of science and math, it gets their attention.  They begin to understand how the skills they learn in those classes are the foundation of a career."  

According to Cottrell, math and science faculty and technical instructors from a variety of programs will conduct experiments and provide hands-on demonstrations throughout the day.  Practical applications of math in aviation, baking, exercise and engineering will be featured this year.

Lake Superior College and the Carlton County Plus Consortium sponsor the event, with Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education funding. 

With more than 5,000 students enrolled this spring semester, LSC is one of Northeastern Minnesota's largest two-year colleges.  LSC provides a wide range of programs and services, including liberal arts and science courses for transfer, technical programs intended to provide occupational skills, continuing education, and customized training for business and industry.  LSC is also the leader in Internet-delivered courses and programs in Minnesota.