This is just a friendly reminder that our registration deadline for the 2015-2016 season is Nov. 13.
USAT Registration 15-16– Download and fill out on your computer or print and fill out by hand. PDF registrations can be accepted via email (info@usacademictriathlon.com) or mailed to:
United States Academic Triathlon
2355 Fairview Ave N #335
Roseville MN, 55113
Excel 2015-16-web-registration-form– Download, fill out, save and send as an email attachment to info@usacademictriathlon.com.
Please note- we no longer have a fax number. Registration materials must be submitted by either mail or e-mail. If you have any questions, please call 651-489-9348 to talk to our Executive Director.
If you are a parent or educator, you have probably heard the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) acronym thrown around a lot lately. This is due, in a large part, to studies that have shown a decline in interest in these subjects by American students. As a whole, our society will suffer from this trend as this generation enters adulthood without the tools to think critically and find ways to meet new challenges.
In response, federal and local governments, as well as independent philanthropic organizations, have implemented several measures and funding opportunities over the last few years. This takes the form of recruiting teachers trained in STEM fields, training existing teachers in best practices for integrating STEM into their classrooms, and funding for special projects that promote student interest in these intersecting fields.
At United States Academic Triathlon, we have always worked to provide our students with questions and challenges that span a variety of disciplines, including those represented by STEM. Over the next several weeks, this blog will feature posts that pertain to each of the four subjects, the ways the USAT addresses them, and creative ways to inspire students to embrace them.
During the P.A.R.T.Y. in a Box portion of the competition, students are often asked to approach an old question in a new way, or think critically about the consequence of decisions.
No subject exists in a vacuum, and creativity is something that can enhance any endeavor. After all, computers can do complex calculations but they will never be “inspired” to do them. It is curiosity that drives us to ask questions and seek to understand our world and creativity that provides us with a means of applying tools such as mathematics and engineering. As a species, we have done a great job of answering many of the questions that confront us in our daily lives, but there is so much more to learn. The “way it has always been done” is not necessarily the “best” way, and what makes something better than something else is completely objective.
The pursuit of new and creative solutions can result in failure, but this does not negate the journey. Oftentimes, these “failures” turn out to be successes – they are simply the answer to a different question. For instance, when the glue commonly used in sticky notes was created, the people working on it were trying to create an extremely strong adhesive. When they “failed” to make something super sticky they opened the door to possibilities of impermanent adhesives, and just one application now sits in desk drawers all over the world.
As parents and educators, the best thing we can do for the next generation is to help them stay curious and creative. This can take many forms. We can help them to research the answer to a question they ask, encourage them to read for pleasure, make them turn off their electronic devices in favor of going out into the world, or play games that require imagination. At the beginning of a task, ask your children or students how they would solve a problem. Even if you feel like you know the “best” or “right” answer, ask them for their opinions even if they might be totally outside of the realm of possibilities (fix the broken pipe with peanut butter? Probably not).
This type of interaction encourages them to think constructively and creatively, and reinforces a sense that their ideas matter. Only after they feel confident in their ability to ask and answer questions can they use tools like the STEM disciplines to answer them.
What gets you the most excited about starting a new US Academic Triathlon season?
Growing up with Academic Triathlon (my mother, Peggy Sheldon, is the founder), it is fun to see what the kids come up with as the solutions to the problems – it’s always very different every year. This year I’m excited to be part of the whole process as a formal staff member. I think it’s an excellent program to foster creativity in middle school kids.
What creative things do you do in your spare time?
I’m a photographer, so I’m constantly thinking creatively to get the shot – and thinking outside the “lens” for creative perspectives. Additionally, I run a print shop, so I get to work with clients to design business cards, signs, and whatever printed materials they might need.
What is your favorite USAT event and why?
I love trivia – I have a good mind for facts and details. Ask me nearly any sports statistic or sports history fact and I’ll come up with it. My memory is like an elephant’s – I never forget. Therefore, it has always been fun for me to come up with the content for Face-Off!, and I liked to help my team in this event when I was a student competing in USAT.
What is your role in the program?
I am the Production Director, so it’s my job to make sure the Meet materials each team receives are done well. I value a high standard of production, so it is my goal to make sure the materials you receive are top notch.
Who was your hero when you were in middle school?
Kirby Puckett – he stood for strong leadership and great teamwork. Plus, he was an amazing athlete.
What gets you the most excited about starting a new year of US Academic Triathlon?
Even though the program only runs half the year, my brain is running full time! I have been coming up with ideas for new challenges and I am looking forward to figuring out how to turn them into Mind Sprints and PARTY events.
2. What creative things do you do in your spare time?
I do a lot of different creative things. For starters, I write a lot. I am working on both a novel and a nonfiction book, which is based on my blog about Steampunk which I post to three times per week. I am also currently running drama clubs for 1st-3rd graders and teens through my local Friends of the Library organization. I get to really test my own improv skills later this fall when I start leading walking tours around Sacramento where I have to be in character as a resident of the 1850s. Lastly, I make mixed media assemblage art out of scrapbook paper, found objects and canvasses.
3. What is your favorite USAT event and why?
When I was on a team back in the day, my favorite event was always PARTY in a Box. I was never a shy kid, so getting up in front of people was easy and fun for me, and I liked the challenge of creating a skit with so little time. Ever since I got too old to be on a team, I have helped my mom (Peggy) with writing the challenges for a new generation of triathletes, and PARTY has continued to be my favorite event.
4. What is your role in the program?
I am in charge of planning and executing the curriculum for the program, which means that starting this year I will be writing all of the MindSprints, PARTY in a Box prompts and Face-Offs. In the past few years I have written about half of the MindSprints and PARTYs, but I have not been involved in Face-Off beyond fact-checking and proof-reading, so I am looking forward to this new challenge. I also write the articles for this blog, like the PARTY series and SCAMPER series last year. This year I am going to focus on Face-Off, STEM and the theory of Multiple Intelligences, so make sure to follow this blog to get information that can help your students learn, grow, and improve their scores in the competition. Lastly, I will be providing fun brainstorming prompts on a weekly basis through our Facebook page, so don’t forget to “like” us in order to get even more practice materials.
5. Who was your hero when you were in middle school?
Albert Einstein. I was drawn to his brilliance, humility and humor. My favorite quote of his is still “Creativity is intelligence having fun.”
What gets you the most excited about starting a new US Academic Triathlon season?
While I’m sad to see Peggy go, I am excited to help the organization grow and expand following such a strong leadership over the past 30 years. USAT’s staff has exciting ideas for the coming years, and we can’t wait to share them with you!
What creative things do you do in your spare time?
I like to keep busy and stay creative. I write, practice calligraphy, color, scrapbook, crochet, and serve as a photographer’s assistant for my husband’s company.
What is your favorite USAT event and why?
I love writing and watching Mind Sprints. Personally I enjoy puzzles and challenges, and it’s fun to watch teams work through the problem to get to an answer – plus there’s never a wrong answer or a wrong way to get the answer. It’s exciting to watch teams work through a problem in a way that wasn’t anticipated when the Mind Sprint was written. You get to watch students’ minds working through a problem, work together in teams, and see creativity in action!
What is your role in the program?
I am the Executive Director. In this role, I am responsible for scheduling, team/coach organization and communication, marketing/communication/fundraising, and am the primary contact for coaches, parents, and teams. Together with my partners (Creative Director Alison Weaverdyck and Production Manager Daniel Sheldon), we work on strategic planning and overall organizational direction.
Who was your hero when you were in middle school?
My mom – she always told me I could do and be whatever I wanted to do or be. I will never forget that and think every child needs to hear that.
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