SEARCH Class Goes To LinkedIn January 12, 2017 On January 12, 2017, a group of 7th and 8th grade Miller Middle School students set forth to visit one of the most recognizable companies of Silicon Valley…LinkedIn. The field trip was the culminating event of a science elective class that sent these students through the process of creating their own startup companies. After being selected as the winning teams, the students spent the day going on tour and presenting their projects in front of LinkedIn employees. It was the ultimate example of how community involvement can create a positive impact supporting the development of the next generation of innovative thinkers. The saying, “It takes a village,” played out beautifully as innovators at LinkedIn mentored my students. The following is my reflection of the day and its potential to creating innovative pathways for our young. Upon arrival, SEARCH students were warmly welcomed, complete with a sign and name cards, and students were thrilled to be allowed to take pictures in the Lobby next to the iconic “In” symbol. From there, we headed to one of many employee lounges that provided students a glimpse at the cool perks associated with the large Silicon Valley companies today. Students played pool, foosball, and some were even able take a ride on a motorcycle video game. I had the pleasure of being served a frothy cup of mocha made fresh from the talented hands of a barista. Next, we were taken to a work area that LinkedIn employees occupy. The walls of the cubicles are easily transgressed just by standing up and physically lifting the entire work desk. Students learned a little bit of the history of LinkedIn and asked questions about how to become a LinkedIn engineer. Afterwards, students were treated to a magnificent buffet lunch served by some of the nicest people to work in a kitchen who interacted effortlessly with my students. Everyone felt welcomed and well taken care of. It was only after lunch, however, that we experienced the best part of the day. Finding ways to impart wisdom from one generation to another has an important impact to the development of nascent entrepreneurs. It has an impact on adult entrepreneurs seeking the guidance of mentors and advisors, after all. Even more importantly, students who witness models of innovative thinkers willing to take time out of their day to provide feedback imparts a karmic flow of pay it forward. These students will remember this day and someday, they will be compelled to sit in on a student presentation, volunteer for a school or class, or be an active member of their communities. They will care more because they have personally experienced that care themselves. Giving time, feedback, encouragement, and support to a young person will not be in vain. LinkedIn was the perfect setting for students to learn this point. As we returned onto the bus, I realized that this day represented something very special. In the last two decades as a science teacher, I have worked hard to design innovative curricula that drive students toward a deep understanding of the world around them. Yet, this was always done within the vacuum of space that is my classroom. Although field trips offer students a glimpse of the real world and its occupants, it often lacks an interactive component where students must exchange communication and therefore, ideas. Sure, students formulate opinions and occasionally an inspiration might take form when visiting exhibits or shows. But, a direct exchange of ideas is typically lacking with the entity for which the students encounter. Any field trip certainly yields some level of benefit in the form of developing empathy and understanding. I will never say, “No,” to a trip to a museum or a theatrical play. These activities are good for students. But, at LinkedIn, something else happened. Students became full participants to their communities. Their projects came out of the bubble of their school and not the other way around. These students became emissaries for what the next generation is up to, so that the adult world…the real world…can better appreciate them. There is nothing more validating than that for a young person eager to do make a difference in the world. THANK YOU, LinkedIn for having SEARCH class over. It was a wonderful experience! ---Terry Chou
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AuthorTerry Chou is a science teacher at Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, CA. Three years ago, she fell in love with the idea of teaching innovation as a way to bring a unique research experience to her students and SEARCH class was born. This further developed her keen dedication to the advancing of science education. Archives
January 2017
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