ExxonMobil Speaker Remarks
Media Day
Introduction of Dr. Harris (if Dr. Harris is attending or Skyping in)
Thank you for the kind introduction. Before I tell you about myself and the fun activity we will be doing today, I’d like to introduce the founder of this amazing camp. I’m sure by now that you know he is an astronaut, but did you know that while he was in space he traveled more than seven million miles?!?! In addition to being an astronaut, he is also a medical doctor and a businessman. Please help me welcome, Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr.
Dr. Harris delivers remarks.
ExxonMobil speaker’s remarks
My name is _____________ and I am a (Insert Title)___________________ with ExxonMobil. How are you all today? (Encourage response)
It is so cool to be here today. I always love the opportunity to talk with students who share my love of math and science. I wish I would have had the chance to go to a camp like the ExxonMobil Bernard Harris Summer Science camp when I was a kid.
So is everyone enjoying their time so far? (Encourage response)
What kind of activities have you been doing? (Encourage response)
Wow, I am impressed. You all have definitely been busy participating in some awesome activities.
Well, one of the reasons I am here to talk to you is because I love to learn about new things especially when it comes to math and science.
When I was your age, I loved math and science. Really! And I realized that I wanted to keep studying math and science and maybe use it in my career.
So let me ask you a question. How many of YOU love math and science? (Encourage response)
I’m here to tell you that your love of math and science will make lots of things possible for you. As you’ll learn during your time here, there are lots of careers and opportunities that will become available to you if you pursue math and science education. The sky is your limit!
Let me ask you another question. How many of you have an iPod? Cell phone? Xbox? Those inventions didn’t just happen by themselves. They were created by someone who was once a kid who loved math and science.
Let me tell you some astounding information.
Many top college degrees today didn’t exist just ten years ago.
Things like biotechnology:
– Where scientists work to find a cure for illness like Swine Flu
–Homeland Security where scientists understand hazardous chemicals and how they impact humans
–Computer game design – I’m sure you can all understand that one!! Yes, math and science are absolutely necessary for you to create the next generation Wii!
So what does that mean to someone in middle school like you? It means having math and science skills will be important to your future. Because your teachers are preparing you for jobs that don’t exist, to solve problems we don’t even know about, using technology that hasn’t been invented yet.
You know what else? It’s predicted that 8 of the 10 top jobs in the next few years will require strong math and science skills. And all those people who make fun of you for being smart? I predict one day you will be their BOSS.
If you don’t hear anything else I say today, hear this: you are special. And you should feel good about the fact that you enjoy learning and enjoy math and science. In fact, you should feel fantastic!
You have to believe in yourself – you have to believe with all your heart -- before you can share your special talents with the world. So go for it. You are very cool and very special. And I cannot wait to see what you do with your lives.
By attending this camp, each of you has made a terrific start in math and science, so just stay with it. If you continue to do well in school, there will be many rewards for you in the future.
That’s because there is a VERY high demand for people who can fill jobs in science, technology, engineering and math fields. You will become the thinkers, inventors, and problem solvers of tomorrow. I can think of so many cool things to invent. What about a cell phone that can turn on your microwave? What about a car that won’t crash? (Encourage kids to come up with ideas too)
See what your imagination can do as long as you keep your math and science studies up? Not only will you be able to find a great job, you will make good money, too. But probably the best thing about math and science is that you will be doing something you love and each day you will be helping to make a difference in the world.
That’s how I feel every day I go into work. I love my job.
{DESCRIBE YOUR JOB AND ADD ANY INTERESTING FACTS OR THINGS YOU GET TO DO.}
In a few minutes we will be conducting an experiment called “The Impact Tester.” This fun activity will use many of the same skills I need to do my job. Such as critical thinking, creativity, and of course my knowledge of math and science. It also involves a bit of engineering and the opportunity to work in teams to solve problems, just like we do at ExxonMobil.
But before we start on the experiment let me give you a few more bits of advice. College may seem far away to you now, but it’s important to think about it today and start planning how you will get there.
There are many people who want to help you along your path toward college and a career. So don’t ever be afraid to ask for help. After all, it’s a sign of a good scientist, technologist, engineer and mathematician to ask questions!
Thank you for listening to me today. It’s been a treat and an honor to talk with you and I wish you luck at school and in the future.
EXPERIMENT REMARKS
Now who is ready see if the suit design they created can “withstand the impact of a micrometeoroid?”
(BEGIN PowerPoint Presentation; students should have instruction sheet to reference)
STOP AT GOALS & OBJECTIVES SLIDE AND INVITE THE CAMP DIRECTOR TO EXPLAIN THE REST OF THE ACTIVITY!!!
So, let’s get started! I will be walking around the room to assist anyone with questions so please do not hesitate to ask.
AFTER COMPETITION
Decide if you or camp director will conduct post-experiment discussion utilize the remaining PowerPoint presentation slides.
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