Sean of IEEE FWCS

This lesson focuses on how bridges are engineered to withstand weight, while being durable, and in some cases aesthetically pleasing. Students work in teams to design and build their own bridge out of up to 200 popsicle sticks and glue.

• Learn about civil engineering.
• Learn about engineering design.
• Learn about planning and construction.
• Learn about teamwork and working in groups.

Age Levels: 8 – 18

Biography:

STEM Champion: Sean Patrick Denny graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Eckerd College in St Petersburg in 1997. Shortly became member of IEEE Computer Society as his career began. Due to employment transitioning in 2004. Sean joined the Florida West Coast Section and attended regular meetings based in Tampa and became to get involved. In 2005, he was asked to attend the "Teacher In Service Training" (TISP) in Atlanta to train Teachers. From 2006 to 2011, Sean built a communication with local educators by attending the Florida Engineering Educator Conference annually at the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He also sent a monthly email noting requests to promote TryEngineering.org and it's lesson plans. A volunteer IEEE Member, usually a retired engineer would go to the local In Service Professional Study Days, Great American Teach-In Days, and Science Fairs. Surveys, Articles, and Photos collected proved the "Technological Literacy" was improved by offering engineering opportunities. Sean helped promote Outstanding High School Teachers to receive the Lignell Award at the annual Tampa Bay Engineers Week Banquet starting in 2007 and continues to the present. The FWCS awarded the 2010 Engineer of the Year to Mr. Denny at the Banquet in 2011. The IEEE Education Board held a TISP Symposium in Tampa May 2012. ExCom Members Jim Howard, TISP Founder Doug Gorham, Ralph Painter, Ken Fiallos, and Sean Denny each gave presentations. Former Pinellas County Schools Secondary Science Supervisor Rose Mack also provided a great presentation on how the IEEE is vital to local teachers. in 2022, IEEE Education approved Sean's to elevate his responsibilities as an Education Ambassador known as "STEM Champion." Last year, we met the two events of the St Pete College Energy Fair (September 2022) in Clearwater and the STEM Explorer Fest (January 2023). Articles have been shared with Region 3 on the work we are offering. RAS: George Schott opened a Robotics and Automation Chapter (RAS) in 2010. Sean attended and helped with the motto of Learn, Do and Teach. Soon was elected Recording Secretary. Helped George and second Chair by attending Robotics Competitions which included FIRST, BEST, Bizbots, ROBOFEST, and Electrathon of Tampa Bay. In 2014, Sean received an appreciation award from Tampa Public Schools. In 2015, Sean was elected RAS Chair. Since then, RAS would ask student team to demonstrate their robot projects, tours of local schools including USF Robotics. The big event was the World Championship for ROBOFEST at St Pete Beach in the summer of 2017. Sean just gave a presentation at USF Tampa Campus hosting the FCRAR this past May 2023.

Email:

Address:5545 Dartmouth Avenue North, , St Petersburg, United States, 33710