Finisar Mobile Laser Lab to Elevate STEM Programming for Middle and High School Students in Dallas/Fort Worth and Sherman
FRISCO, Texas, Dec. 10, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sci-Tech Discovery Center, Frisco’s leading family-friendly cultural and educational destination, has been awarded a generous grant by Finisar to allow for the creation of a Mobile Laser Lab.
The Mobile Laser Lab presented by Finisar will include three interactive traveling exhibits which can be used at public outreach and school-based events. Each component includes hands-on experiences in important STEM-based topics, including:
Geometric Optics: Prisms, mirrors and lenses represent the excitement of science and technology – and students will experience how they can manipulate light and lasers.
Optical Lenses: Students will vary the focal length of different lenses to experience how they can affect light as it travels.
Fiber Optics: From data transmission to interior design, fiber optics is part of our everyday lives. Students can experiment with real world applications of this technology.
The Finisar Mobile Laser Lab is designed for students in grades 6 through 12. The lab will serve as a hands-on introduction to lasers and optical components. Lab programing will be designed to build on classroom learning and allow them to experiment with optics and lasers to gain first-hand experiences. The Mobile Laser Lab is expected to debut in April.
“We are thrilled to be receiving this very generous donation from Finisar to create the Finisar Mobile Laser Lab,” said Sci-Tech Executive Director Peter Claffey. “This type of investment allows Sci-Tech Discovery Center to reach older students in a meaningful way and to expose them to careers in science which are exciting and in high demand. Having mobile exhibits allows us to bring the excitement of contemporary science to schools, events and people across North Texas.”
“Finisar is committed to helping our local community develop the kind of scientific thinkers that our high-tech economy needs,” explains Michael Hurlston, CEO of Finisar. “As a world leader in laser technology for optical communications and 3D Sensing applications, Finisar is committed to increasing our involvement in the STEM education of students across North Texas. Sci-Tech is an ideal community partner for Finisar, and we’re looking forward to building synergies with the museum.”
About Sci-Tech Discovery Center
The Sci-Tech Discovery Center provides dynamic educational experiences that inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace discovery and innovation through the active exploration of science, math and technology. Bright ideas! That’s what Sci-Tech Discovery Center hopes to inspire by providing hands-on discovery experiences in the essential areas of science, math and technology to kids of all ages and backgrounds. Sci-Tech Discovery Center seeks to spark a life-long interest and help equip our area’s children with these advanced skills. Sci-Tech believes in advancing education and providing inspiration to the next generation of engineers, scientists, educators and innovators. Sci-Tech Discovery Center is located at 8004 North Dallas Parkway, Frisco, TX 75034.
About Finisar
Finisar Corporation (NASDAQ: FNSR) is a global technology leader in optical communications, providing components and subsystems to networking equipment manufacturers, data center operators, telecom service providers, consumer electronics and automotive companies. Founded in 1988, Finisar designs products that meet the increasing demands for network bandwidth, data storage and 3D sensing subsystems. The company is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, USA with R&D, manufacturing sites, and sales offices worldwide. Visit our website at www.finisar.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sci-Tech Discovery Center
Kelly Hunter, 972-732-6100
kelly@shiromasouthwest.com
Victoria McDonald,
Director of Corporate Communications, Finisar
press@finisar.com
+1 408-542-4261