Houston PREP One Main Street Suite: 722-South

Houston, TX 77002 713-221-8686

713-226-5290 fax http://www.uhd.edu/prep

-Dr. Richard A. Aló Houston PREP Director

-Sangeeta Gad Houston PREP Coordinator

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HOUSTON PREP 2009 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Purpose and Goals ………………………………………3

2) Letter from the Director ………………………………………4

3) PREP Academic Curriculum ………………………………...5

4) School Districts ………………………………………6

5) Participant Assistance ………………………………………7

6) 2009 Highlights ………………………………………8

7) Program Events ………………………………………9

8) 2009 Engineering Projects ………………………………………10

9) Fieldtrips ……………………………………...12

10) Engineering Day ……...………………………………14

11) PREP Awards ………………………………………………16

12) Program Demographics …………………………..................17

13) Student Improvements ………………………………………….18

14) Follow Up Survey ………………………………………………19

15) Student Evaluations …………………………………………….20

16) PREP Personnel ………………………………………..……… 21

17) Sponsors List …………………………………………………. 22

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PURPOSE AND GOALS

The purpose of Houston PREP is to enhance and build upon the academic backgrounds of socially and economically disadvantaged and disabled students in the middle and high school level. We expose them to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers and encourage them to practice the skills needed to excel in these areas of study. The goal is to impart a greater appreciation of STEM fields as well as the tools needed to succeed in these increasingly important career paths.

Houston PREP is directed toward the reinforcement of the normal pre-college mathematics instructional program offered in middle and high schools. Additionally, by discussing college level topics, students are able to discover further applications of the mathematics they learn in their current academic programs. Students are stimulated to think creatively using mathematical concepts to solve problems throughout their various courses. Students gain an awareness of science and engineering through courses in physics and engineering, research and study sessions, computational and computer science classes, and career opportunities components. Students learn the science of physics and engineering and then apply it to real world problems such as creating and manipulating computer programs, and designing and building structures for form and function. Program participants agree to commit themselves to six weeks of intellectually demanding classes and laboratories.

This year also brings about the introduction of Houston PREP Academy. Our new program for fourth year prep students fully accomplishes the goal of preparing our students for college by enrolling them in two actual college courses from the University of Houston-Downtown. These dual credit courses expose them to the college environment and give them valuable experience. Students gain high school credit as well as 6 college credit hours from the University of Houston-Downtown jump starting their studies and bringing them closer to their future success.

During the summer of 2009, Houston PREP freshmen Enrichment Program celebrated twenty-one years of operation. Two hundred and seventy nine students completed Houston PREP, among whom, over 88.5% were female or from an underrepresented minority group.

To date, PREP has enrolled more than thirty-three hundred students. In our most recent follow-up survey of college-age PREP participants, of those who responded, their high school graduation rate is 99.9%. In this surveyed group, 94% are college students or college graduates; over 49% of them are enrolled in STEM fields.

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LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR

Through the Houston PREP Program, the Center for Computational Science and Advanced Distributed Simulation (C2SDS) is doing its part to respond to the dwindling number of students entering careers in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science, which are occurring on a national scale. Notably, the increasing number of economically and socially disadvantaged groups in our population are not looking to these fields as viable options. Houston PREP is designed to encourage students from these groups to follow these career opportunities. Moving forward into the next decade without such efforts, our nation is risking its leadership role in the high technology society that we have developed.

Programs such as Houston PREP are making a difference. The people and organizations that support it are the backbone of this development. We extend our sincerest thanks to all of you.

Richard A. Aló, Sangeeta Gad Program Director, Houston PREP Co-Director, Houston PREP Executive Director, C2SDS Director for Recruitment and Retention,

C2SDS

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Fourth year students preparing for their first venture into college academia!

PREP ACADEMIC CURRICULUM

Logic and Its Application to Mathematics First Year

Introduction to Engineering Computational Science/ Problem Solving

Infinity Project

Second Year Engineering

Linear Algebra/ Algebraic Structure Physics

Computer Science/ C++

Third Year Technical Writing

Statistics Engineering

SAT Pre-Calculus

Fourth Year Houston Prep Academy Duel Credit:

Introduction to Psychology (UHD PSY 1301) Introduction to Computer Technology (UHD CS 1305)

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The participating school districts PREP students attend in Houston and surrounding areas are as follows:

• Aldine ISD

• Alief ISD

• Boys Ranch ISD

• Crosby ISD

• Cypress Fairbanks ISD

• Fort Bend ISD

• Galena Park ISD

• Houston ISD

• Humble ISD

• Klein ISD

• Pasadena ISD

• Sheldon ISD

• Spring ISD

• Spring Branch ISD

• Private Schools

SCHOOL DISTRICTS

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PARTICIPANT ASSISTANCE

The following school districts provided Houston PREP students with transportation from their school campuses to the University of Houston- Downtown:

• Aldine ISD• Alief ISD• Crosby ISD• Galena Park ISD• Sheldon ISD• Spring ISD

The following school districts provided Houston PREP with teachers: • Aldine ISD• Alief ISD• Crosby ISD• Galena Park ISD• HISD• Spring ISD

Instructors participated in the Houston PREP Program:

• Aldine ISDo Mr. Derek Clack

• Alief ISDo Ms. Monica Woods

• Crosby ISDo Ms. Angelique Poole

• Galena Park ISDo Mr. Silvester Morris

• Houston ISDo Mr. Ashfaqur Rehmano Mr. Ralph Polleyo Ms. Anagha Marathe

• Private Schoolo Ms. Gwen Vastine

• Spring ISDo Ms. Ingrid Conway

• University of Houston-Downtowno Mr. Emmanuel Usen (Faculty)

• Graduate Studentso Desmond Bourgeioso Jonathan Gamezo Hooman Hemmati

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2009 PREP HIGHLIGHTS

2009 brought the introduction of Houston PREP’s new sister programs, India PREP and Acapulco PREP.

India PREP was conducted at the Annamalai University, Chidambaram, India. Former PREP student Prashant Samant organized the India PREP initiative. INSAF, (INSAFweb.org), a non-profit organization focused on education for under privileged students in India, provided funding for the India PREP 2009 project. The advisory board consists of:

Ms. Sangeeta Gad, UHD Ms. Padmashri Lad, INSAF Dr. Bhavender Sharma, INSAF Dr. Sadhana Samani, INSAF Dr. Raj Lad, INSAF Mr. Shankar Khadye, INSAF Sixty-seven students participated in

India PREP’s first summer program including 50 female students and 17 male students. The majority of students were from economically disadvantaged families. The expansion to India was a huge success and we at Houston PREP look forward to its continued growth, development, and service to the students of India.

Acapulco PREP was conducted at El Tecnologico de Monterrey Sede Acapulco in Guerrero, Mexico. The Program was organized in partnership with Houston Preparatory Academy (houstonprep.org). UHD graduate and Houston PREP instructor Jonathan Gamez brought the Houston PREP curriculum to the students in Mexico. The program began this year with classes for 1st year students in logic and engineering with plans to expand to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd year classes next year. Long term goals include allowing Acapulco PREP students to travel to the United States and participate directly in Houston PREP and Houston PREP Academy at the University of Houston-Downtown.

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MAIN EVENTS:

June 4 PREP Orientation

June 8 PREP Opening Day

June 19 Field Trips: Museum of Natural Science, Port of Houston

June 26 Field Trips: Museum of Health Science, Holocaust Museum

July 9 Engineering Day

July 10 Field Trips: University of Houston; Johnson Space Center (NASA)

July 14 Final Examinations

July 16 Closing Day Awards Ceremony

PROGRAM EVENTS

Parents and students at PREP Orientation Dr. Alo congratulating students at PREP Award Ceremony

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2009 ENGINEERING PROJECTS

FIRST YEAR:

Students new to Houston PREP embarked on a journey of new and exciting fields of study. This included engineering, problem solving, logics and computer science curriculum. These bright young students have been given the opportunity to become pioneers of innovation as they encountered the first year of the engineering-laden curriculum. Having never been introduced to the engineering basics, many students were intrigued as they evaluated problems to form creative solutions. This year, the student activities incorporated the construction of both water and engine model rockets. Another project the students applied was a hands-on application to design a mechanism that will allow an egg to drop off a three story high building without cracking or breaking. First year students also had an opportunity to learn about computer programming and work with a system of equations in order to reduce noise that veiled a signal. During this program the students were able to take a step further into programming by constructing a working sound speaker out of a magnet, copper wire, and paper.

SECOND YEAR:

The second year students constructed bridges using a balsa wood. These model bridges were tested on the basis of their strength, durability, and resistance to pressure. Students also completed a second engineering project that consisted of devising a mousetrap racecar. These were then tested for distance and the aerodynamic design each student individually created. The second year students were able to compete against one another to determine the fastest mousetrap car with the longest distance traveled. This experience helped students understand and apply the dynamics behind precise measurements and accuracy in engineering design. They also took a course in physics that introduced concepts such as velocity, friction, gravity, projectiles and vectors. This course will help prepare students for future advanced science and mathematics courses.

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THIRD YEAR:

The engineering component of the third year curriculum consists of a tradition hands-on application Houston PREP students await for each year. Students construct three different model houses using balsa wood and tiny pins. In groups, students measured, cut, and assembled their houses to match the specific design requirements they were assigned. This project lasted the duration of the program, and when completed, each house was graded for neatness, accuracy, and durability. Another component of PREP’s third year curriculum was Technical Writing. Within this course, students were introduced to important concepts in product design and promotion. Third year students were introduced to basic business foundations by developing a “Business Plan Report.” The students went through all the steps involved in the entrepreneurial process. They gained both practical and theoretical knowledge; from making an effective business pitch to investors to the core financial concepts of time value of money and opportunity cost. Statistics class was useful in helping students determine probabilities and deviances in various sets of data. Students also worked with the Infinity Project, computer software in which students became familiar with the properties of sound and digital images.

FOURTH YEAR:

The fourth-year Houston PREP curriculum took on an entirely new approach. This summer the fourth-years took dual credit college course at the University of Houston-Downtown. The two courses included: Introduction to Psychology and Introduction to Computer Science. They each attended the 5 week summer course as college students. This experience helped each student understand and taste what college is like. At the same time they are earned college credit hours.

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HOUSTON PREP STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN NUMEROUS EDUCATIONAL FIELDTRIPS

First Years explored the wonders of the Museum of HealthScience and toured the University of Houston

The six 1st Year classes attended a fieldtrip at the Museum of Health Science. For many students it introduced to them the way the body works from the inside. The museum provided an extensive and detailed walk-through exhibit of the entire body and all its functioning body systems. It gave the students visuals of how food is broken down and processed through the digestive system. The students were able to explore the Mars exhibit as if they were actual astronauts on mars. The first year students also attended the field trip to the University of Houston. Here students were divided into several groups and were able to experiment different science labs as well as physics projects.

Second Years discovered the Johnson Space Center andexperienced life during the Holocaust

For the first time with PREP the three 2nd year classes were able to journey around the Johnson Space Center. They explored exhibits such as mission control, two tram tours, the Rocket Park, and the Adventure Park. Prep students also visited the Holocaust Museum to experience history, to honor those who lost their lives, and to gain an understanding of the horrors of hate. Students learned the importance of tolerance in the world today and the price of inaction in the face of injustice.

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Third Years journeyed through the Museum of Natural Science,and took a boat tour of the Port of Houston.

The two 3rd year classes traveled through the exhibits of the prehistoric periods learning about different types of species and fossil records. They also delved into the world of the deep blue sea discovering the savage beauty of nature in IMAX presentations. The students enjoyed discovering different shark species while watching the film in a 3D adventure. Third year classes also took a boat tour of America’s 4rth largest port at the Houston Ship Channel and Port of Houston. The educational tour explained to the students the importance of the port at the local and national economy. It also explained the technology and engineering it takes to plan and maintain the daily operations of the Port of Houston.

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ENGINEERING DAY JULY 9, 2009

Houston PREP showcased the 21st

One activity the students participated in involved the design, planning, and construction of a bridge made out of spaghetti noodles. The bridges had to be a certain length and couldn’t exceed a certain weight but able to with stand maximum weight. Another project the students enjoyed was the construction of a rollercoaster made out of foam tubing. Certain requirements included a budget cost, certain amount of loops, and held together by tooth picks. This was a fun project for the students that had a hands-on construction approach as well as a budget and cost demonstration on how to wisely spend money.

annual Engineering Day. PREP was proud to see that the schedule was booked solid with over 15 presenters and organizations who participated at the event. Engineering day is a way to inform students of the many different ways to be involved with a STEM major.

Throughout the summer PREP students are required to build racecars, bridges and houses, out of balsawood in there engineering courses. At Engineering Day students had the opportunity to have their work showcased and were able to compete their mousetrap race cars. With an auditorium full of the PREP students and other Engineering Day attendees the racecars competed in a single elimination race.

SHEP: Spaghetti Bridge project KBR: rollercoaster project Dr. Allen TAMS Presentation

NASA presentation Dr. Christmas: Chemistry Lab Presentation Dr. Morano: Biology Lab Presentation

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PRESENTERS AT ENGINEERING DAY

Presenter Title Company Activity

Dr. John E. Allen Assistant Dean Tx Acad Math & Sci, Univ North Texas

Presentation about Texas Academy of Math and

Science Adam Reeves Oil Loss Analyst Exxon Mobil Global

Services Company Presentation about Exxon

Mobil Dr. Shantuan Coleman Bay area Alumnae Chapter

Fundraising Chair Delta Sigma Motivational Presentation

Juniper Jairala EVA Project/Test Engineer Johnson Space Center Engineering Career Presentation

Ms. Laurie Y. Carrillo, PE

ES3/Thermal Design Branch Engineering Directorate

Johnson Space Center Satellite and Rocket Presentation

Ms. Aldora Lou Systems Engineer Lockheed Martin (NASA)

Space Station Presentation

Dr. Yash Gad CEO SimVivo Neuroscience Engineering Presentation

Ms. Tonya M. Morris Health, Safety, and Environmental Engineer

Cameron Presentation about Environment Engineering

Nicole Orozco Environmental Control and Life Support

The Boeing Company Career Presentation

Dr. Byron Christmas Professor, Natural Science Dept.

University of Houston-Downtown

Chemistry Lab Demonstration

Dr. Lisa Morano Associate Professor, Natural Science Dept.

University of Houston-Downtown

Biology Lab – Strawberry DNA extraction

James Nanney Sr. Technical Professional Halliburton Energy Services

Presentation about the production of Halliburton

Maaidah Khan Presenters and Assistants

KBR, Inc. Rollercoaster Project using Foam tubing

Mr. Oscar Alvarado Secretary, SOCIETY of HISPANIC PROFESSIONAL

ENGINEERS Oil and Energy Engineer, BP

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers /

BP Global

Created bridges out of Spaghetti and tested strength

and durability by adding weight to each bridge

Mr. Marco Stocco

Rocio Garcia, Refugio Molina, Rafael Munoz, Cassie Rodriquez, Nati

Melancon, Rafael Munoz, Cassie Rodriquez, Nati

Melancon

President, SHPE Flight Activity/ Attitude and

Pointing, JSC

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers / Johnson Space Center

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2009 HOUSTON PREP AWARDS CEREMONY

The 2009 Houston PREP Awards Ceremony held Approximately 350 PREP parents, faculty members and graduating participants. Each faculty member presented awards to the most exceptional student from his or her class. The Program Assistants were also grateful to present a citizenship award to a student from his or her class. PREP Coordinator, Ms. Sangeeta Gad then presented an award to the overall high-achieving student from each individual class.

Each student was recognized for their achievements throughout the Houston PREP Academy and was presented a special award. All students who completed the program were awarded with a certificate of achievement as well as a Houston PREP T-shirt. Each citizenship award recipient received a Houston PREP CD case. Those who were recognized as overall outstanding students were awarded with a Houston PREP 4GB USB flash drive in addition to their other awards. The 2009 Awards Ceremony signaled the successful completion of the 21st year of the Houston Pre-freshmen Enrichment Program.

CITIZENSHIP & OVERALL OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

Group Award Recipient Award Recipient 1A Chelce Atille Fayln Page 1B Dominic Cortes Briana Rollins 1C Isai Castelan Edidiong Utin 1D Rod Khansari Bixia Liang 1E Sania Broom Tuong-Phi Le 1F Dimple Joseph Madeline Yin & Xiaoran Xe 2A Jaelean White Crisjo Jaimon 2B Maria Peňa Rachel Adeneken 2C Clark Rabaya Oliver Croomes 3A Jarvis Miller Felix Martinez 3B Vylace Collins Jose Hernandez

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2009 PROGRAM DEMOGRAPHICS

Ethnicity Male Female TotalAfrican American 49 60 109Asian 30 25 55Anglo 4 3 7Hispanic 50 67 117Other 3 4 7Total 136 159 295

109

55

7

117

70

20

40

60

80

100

120

African American

Asian Anglo Hispanic Other

2009 Demographics PREP Students Started

African American

Asian

Anglo

Hispanic

Other

18

102

53

6

112

60

20

40

60

80

100

120

African American

Asian Anglo Hispanic Other

2009 Demographics PREP Students Completed

African American

Asian

Anglo

Hispanic

Other

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2009 STUDENT IMPROVEMENTS

Logic Physics Stats

Pre 35% 33% 67%

Post 85% 77% 80%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

60%

70%

80%

90%

Scor

e

Percentage Improvements of Students

20

2%

8%

27%

3%

48%

12% Math

Engineering

Science

Computer Science

Undecided

Other

1%

12%

22%

9%

56%

Math

Engineering

Science

Computer Science

Other

2008 FOLLOW UP SURVEY RESULTS

• 99.9% are high school graduates• 99% are college students• 49% of the senior college graduates are engineering, mathematics, science or computer

science major

Former PREP Students - Currently In College

Former PREP Students – College Graduates

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2009 STUDENT EVALUATIONS

92

82

88 88

93

95

75

80

85

90

95

100

PREP Program Evaluations

The Curriculum reinforced my mathematical skill.

I was mathemathically prepared to participate.

This program reinforced my desire to study engineering, science, or math.

I work to my fullest potential in Prep.

Prep helped me to become more organized and responsible academically.

I have a better understanding of what is requied of college students.

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2009 HOUSTON PREP PERSONNEL

PROGRAM DIRECTOR Dr. Richard A. Aló, Executive Director, CCSDS

PROGRAM COORDINATOR Ms. Sangeeta Gad, Director for Recruitment and Retention, CCSDS

CENTER STAFF Marvelia Rocha, Coordinator, CCSDS Orlando Huerta, Assistant, CCSDS Rafael Ortiz, Technical Assistant, CCSDS Hina Rehman, Assistant, CCSDS

PROGRAM INSTRUCTORS Desmond Bourgeois – Engineering (1st

Derek Clack – Logic (1 Year Groups)

st Year Groups), Algebraic Structures (2nd

Ingrid Conway – Statistics & SAT (3 Year Groups)

rd

Jonathan Gamez – Engineering (1 Year Groups)

st Year Groups), Algebraic Structures (2nd

Hooman Hemmati – Computer Science C++ (2 Year Groups)

nd

Anagha Marathe - Problem Solving (1 Year Groups)

st Year Groups), Technical Writing (3rd

Silvester Morris – Logic (1 Year Groups)

st

Ralph Polley – Logic, Problem Solving (1 Year Groups)

st

Angelique Poole – Computer Information Systems (1 Year Groups)

st

Ashfaqur Rehman – Physics (2 Year Groups)

nd Year Groups), Pre-Calculus (3rd

Emmanuel Usen – Engineering (2 Year Groups)

nd & 3rd

Gwen Vastine – Visual Basic (1 Year Groups)

st

Monica Woods – Logic, Problem Solving (1 Year Groups)

st Year Groups)

PROGRAM ASSISTANTS Juan Aviles Javier Batiz KaTrina Bullock Kevin Bullock Jorge Cruz Samantha Fuentevilla Alex Garza Iris Mendez Aamir Mohair Azael Resendez Andrew Rodriquez Jerome Stephens Marco Tzorin

SPONSORS

Aldine Independent School District

Alief Independent School District

Center for Computational Sciences, UHD

Computer and Mathematical Sciences, UHD

Crosby Independent School District

Galena Park Independent School District

Houston Independent School District

Houston Preparatory Academy

Kellogg Brown and Root Foundation

Project Grad

Sheldon Independent School District

Simmons Foundation

Spring Branch Independent School District

Spring Independent School District

State of Texas Legislature

Texas Department of Transportation

TexPREP

University of Houston-Downtown