San Diego--For two days local students in grades 7-12 will experience real-life applications for the science they learn in the classroom at the Fleet Science Center's community-oriented High Tech Fair.  

At the High Tech Fair, representatives from local STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math)-related businesses such as Genentech, Solar Turbines, Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems will present examples of the work they do and demonstrate to students how the science they're learning in the classroom is applied to the technology that is used and developed at these local businesses. The fair is an important venue for STEM-related businesses to connect with students. The aim of the event is to enlighten students to the possibilities of a scientific career.

At the High Tech Fair, students can learn how math and science play a role in robotics, how rockets are designed to fly straight, how cellular behavior can be mathematically modeled and how physics and chemistry govern the activity of cells and organisms.

Exhibitors are encouraged to include interactive activities that clearly showcase and explain their technologies and products. 

Exhibitors are asked to answer the question, "If a student worked for your company, how would they be using science, technology, engineering or math in the course of their job?"

"The High Tech Fair is an important event because San Diego is one of the leading cities for high tech in the world, yet employers are still struggling to find good workers for STEM-related positions. Our hope is that the High Tech Fair will provide the spark to get kids interested in science and seeking a STEM-related career," said Deanna Ratnikova, Community Relations Manager at the Fleet Science Center.

One presenter at the High Tech Fair will be Beau Trifiro of Open Source Skateboards. Trifio started Open Source Skateboards after shopping for a skateboard deck and realizing that none of the decks available met his needs. His solution was to create his own skateboard deck. He has since made the design for his skateboard deck publically available and allows young people to learn how STEM principles are involved in making skateboards.  

Another presenter is ViaSat, headquartered in Carlsbad. ViaSat specializes in satellite communications, including the software that goes into the modems in airplanes, enabling high-speed, in-flight Wi-Fi.

The High Tech Fair is divided into two days. January 25 is Student/Parent Night and goes from 5 to 8 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. January 26 is reserved for pre-registered schools on classroom field trips. This takes place from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both events take place at the Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92102.

For more information on the High Tech Fair visit: http://www.fleetscience.org/high-tech-fair

The 2017 High Tech Fair is generously sponsored by:

Cox Communications, Inc.

Genentech

Lockheed Martin Corporation

San Diego Gas & Electric

Solar Turbines

United Technologies Corporation Aerospace Systems

University of Saint Katherine

ViaSat, Inc.

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To schedule a media preview or interview with a Fleet representative for the High Tech Fair, please contact Fleet Science Center Public Relations Manager Nathan Young at 619-685-5743 or nyoung@rhfleet.org.