The Need for Simplicity

The chapter's March luncheon began with the presentation of two $1,000 Science Teaching Tools (STT) awards to Steve Kleinrath, chemistry and physics teacher at Rancho Buena Vista (RBV) High School, and Jill Frank-Aldrich, Science Department chair also from RBV. Kleinrath will utilize his STT award to cover the cost (entry fees and transportation) of participation in the annual Science Olympiad, which consists of test taking, laboratory tasks and engineering events in all branches of science (earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, computer technology and engineering). Frank-Aldrich will use her award to begin a pilot program to incorporate digital technology in her biology classrooms. She intends to revise many of the lab experiments and activities by using new software and sensors/probes to gather data and display results on electronic media devices (iPads or tablets). The Technology Spotlight speaker, James Gunn, president of CredoGov, discussed the virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) contract that CredoGov has with the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. He touched on the benefits a virtual desktop infrastructure provides as well as requirements analysis, proper design and implementation that must be considered when planning a VDI. The main speaker for the luncheon was Orion Linekin of Datron World Communications and his topic was simplicity—the impacts of product complexity on tactical operations with partner forces. In his presentation, Linekin spoke on the need to build equipment and systems that provide the user with effective platforms to accomplish the mission without being overly complex to operate. Spotlighted during the presentation was the need for simplicity on the outside of the equipment and let the chips, hardware and software [inside the box] do the hard work for the soldier. STT award submissions as well as CredoGov and Datron presentations are available for viewing on the chapter's website.

Event Photographs: