MiSci and ITC Team Up for Distance Learning Program
ITC Vice President of Engineering Joe Bennett teamed up with the Michigan Science Center (MiSci) for a special Arbor Day lesson on trees and power lines, engineers and STEM careers, and environmental stewardship. The program was completed through ECHO, part of the Science Center’s Traveling Science program. ECHO uses video conferencing to connect classrooms from any location with a museum educator who conducts interactive lessons in real time. Nearly 200 Michigan students in 1st through 6th grade joined the online learning program.
“ITC is proud to be a longtime supporter of the Michigan Science Center, and to help bring its programming to the far reaches of the state to communities like Adrian, Grayling, Durand, New Boston, Port Huron and more, which are also served by ITC,” said Bennett. “Furthermore, we know that the budding young scientists, mathematicians and engineers we are inspiring today will develop the energy solutions of the future.”
During the interactive event, Joe explained the “zones” of planting trees in the vicinity of electric transmission lines and hosted a game show style activity where the students submitted their answers to questions about trees. Joe also answered many questions from the students – such as where he went to school, what kind of engineer he is, and how electricity gets from the generators to their homes and schools.
ECHO content is aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), a new set of national science standards designed to help students achieve a cohesive understanding of science over time. ECHO combines technology and hands-on elements to engage students and transform how they learn. The program is made possible by a $300,000 donation from ITC.
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The ITC Charitable Giving Program
The ITC Charitable Giving Program focuses on five key areas to help strengthen our communities and reflect the values of ITC. Those include education, environmental stewardship, social services, health & wellness and arts & culture.

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