Raytheon expands math and science education initiatives internationally

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Reinforcing its long-standing commitment to furthering math and science education globally, Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) is bringing its MathMovesU^® initiative to the Gulf Region. Raytheon will premiere the regional expansion of MathMovesU — which is well established in the United States, Australia and Europe — with two key launches:

• MathAlive!^®, the company's interactive educational exhibition, will open at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, a strategic initiative by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee, on Nov. 14, 2013.
  
  
• Engineering is Elementary^®, a program designed for young children in partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston and the pan-Arab educational organization Injaz, will debut its "The Little Engineer" curriculum in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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These programs are designed to provide direct support for the successful growth and development of the Middle East's technology industrial base — helping to inspire young students in the region to develop an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), and encourage them to pursue related careers.

"For nearly 50 years, Raytheon has been honored to continuously support the defense and security of our partners in the Middle East," said William H. Swanson, Chairman and CEO of Raytheon Company. "During that time, our commitment has strengthened and grown in exciting new areas like science, technology, engineering and math education, as well as technology development. We all share a goal of providing our youth with the education and skills to thrive in a global innovation economy. By expanding MathAlive! and Engineering is Elementary to the Gulf Region, we hope to inspire young students to pursue exciting and rewarding careers."

About MathAlive! — Raytheon's Interactive and Educational Museum Exhibition
MathAlive! is Raytheon's premier traveling educational exhibition, designed to show the math behind things young students enjoy, such as video games, sports, robotics and more. The exhibition's interactive and immersive experiences engage students, encouraging them to develop a lasting interest in math and science in school, college and ultimately, the workplace.

Raytheon will premiere its MathAlive! exhibition, created specifically for the Gulf Region, at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival in Abu Dhabi du Forum Yas Island from Nov. 14, 2013, through Nov. 23, 2013. MathAlive! will travel through the Middle East over the next five years.

Presented in Modern Standard Arabic as well as in English, the 465-square-meter exhibit contains exciting content relating to mathematics at work around the world. It includes the historical achievements of Gulf Region mathematicians, as well as people from the Middle East who apply science, technology, engineering and math studies to their current careers. Interactive activities allow visitors to experience math amid the cultural context of familiar Middle Eastern imagery, landmarks, customs, culture and language.

Dr. Linda Silver, Associate Director at the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), said: "The majority of science learning happens outside the classroom, in places like science centers, zoos and at events such as the Abu Dhabi Science Festival. Science is intrinsically interesting; it's about exploration, discovery and asking questions — activities that all come naturally to children. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival's rich content and blockbuster shows provide unforgettable experiences that will inspire students' interest in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI), and the inclusion of interactive exhibit experiences like MathAlive! help to heighten that excitement and increase the chances of children pursuing science-related activities in their lives."

To learn more about MathAlive! in the Middle East, visit www.mathalive-me.com.

Engineering is Elementary: Teaching Engineering and Technology to Young Students Raytheon has teamed with the Museum of Science, Boston to bring Engineering is Elementary to the Gulf Region via a unique partnership with Injaz, the pan-Arab non-profit organization and member of Junior Achievement Worldwide. The Engineering is Elementary project encourages understanding of engineering and technology among children as young as six years old through interactive activities that explore engineering fields. The Raytheon-Injaz-Museum of Science, Boston partnership will share Engineering is Elementary's "The Little Engineer" curriculum with students across the Gulf Region, beginning with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Engineering is Elementary has created a research-based, classroom-tested curriculum that integrates engineering and technology concepts and skills with elementary-level science topics.

The program encourages elementary school educators to enhance their understanding of engineering concepts through professional development workshops and curriculum resources. To date, more than 58,000 teachers and 4.1 million students have experienced Engineering is Elementary in the United States.

MathAlive! and Engineering is Elementary expand the portfolio of science, technology, engineering and mathematics-related education programs supported by Raytheon in the Middle East, including: an Engineering Master's degree program with the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and Johns Hopkins University; support for the HCT events, Education without Borders and Festival of Thinkers; leadership development programs in partnership with Khalifa University in the UAE and the Saudi Arabian Cultural Mission; and a series of technology symposia at King Saud University in Riyadh, as well as education workshops with HCT in the UAE.

About the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF): Visit http://www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae

About the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC): Visit www.tdc.gov.ae

About Engineering is Elementary: Visit www.eie.org

About Injaz: Visit www.injaz.org.jo/

About Raytheon
Raytheon Company, with 2012 sales of $24 billion and 68,000 employees worldwide, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, security and civil markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 91 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems; as well as a broad range of mission support services. Raytheon is headquartered in Waltham, Mass. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter @Raytheon.

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SOURCE Raytheon Company