Discovery Program Overview

Registration Information


Register Online

WHAT is the DISCOVERY PROGRAM

A Program designed to create interest and enthusiasm in Science, Engineering, and Technology careers in Manitoba manufacturing and focus students on the essential skills that workers need for work, learning and life.

The Discovery Program is inclusive and takes aim at students that bring a dissimilar set of skills to form a team that requires every member to contribute to the success of the challenge. This type of exposure will leave a lasting impression on a greater number of students to learn the many career opportunities connected to manufacturing and to hone their skills in; oral communication, working with others, reading text, document use, numeracy, thinking skills, writing, computer use and continuous learning.

Students and teachers will be introduced to the manufacturing industry sectors in Manitoba, learn of manufacturing careers, required education and training, and employment opportunities. Participants will experience (hands on), the rigors of manufacturing by designing, building and assembling a hovercraft using leading edge technologies. All the time working in teams, negotiating, communicating and supporting each other.


WHY DISCOVERY

The use and distribution of the Discovery Program is guided by an Advisory Committee of stakeholders including; CME, colleges, universities, high school representatives and industry and related associations. With nearly one hundred and fifty-six thousand skilled employees who will be progressively retiring over the next several years and the steady decline in student enrollment at secondary and post secondary institutions in the technology areas, the Discovery Program will encourage manufacturing careers as viable career options for Manitoba youth.

The "why" teachers may ask in regards to the Discovery Program were clearly and quickly identified.

  • School to work transitions
  • Make education “real”
  • Exposure to employment opportunities and career development
  • Critical to the economy
  • Providing transferable essential skills

Who Can Participate in DISCOVERY

High school students who are in the following curricula may register a mixed team; Math/Physics, Science, Business, Design/Graphic Arts, Electronics and Vocational Education. Teams could range from 4 – 8 participants with a maximum of 2 students per discipline. Male and female members must be encouraged to participate.

Mentors may be sourced from their own high school, other high schools, colleges, universities, industry and industry associations.


Discovery Program Details

A Team Registration form must be received at the CME offices before September 30, 2009. Fees are applicable for each member of the Team and are non-refundable. Each Team will receive a basic kit of hovercraft parts to be integrated into the hovercraft design. Complete instructions for managing the project will be included. Each team will be connected with potential industry sponsors. It will be up to each team to maximize the opportunity for cash and in-kind sponsorships with each identified organization. Reporting on resources secured, how they were utilized and/or reserved must be presented to a panel of industry judges.


Discovery Program - SEMI-FINALS - January 13th, 2010

The atrium of the Engineering & Information Technology Complex at the University of Manitoba was taken over by Hovercraft on Thursday, January 13th as part of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Discovery Program.

The Program was developed to introduce high school students to explore "great jobs" in Manitoba's exciting manufacturing sectors. Working in teams, the students designed a radio controlled hovercraft. To accomplish this task, students used essential skills for work, learning, and life. Each team presented their business plan and demonstrated the radio-controlled hovercraft they had designed and built for lift, load and propulsion to a panel of five judges.

From the semi-finals on January 13th, the top ten teams will compete in the finals at the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters' Manufacturing & Trade Conference in March at the Winnipeg Convention Centre on Tuesday, March 23, 2010. The final top three teams will receive Certificates of Excellence as well as Bursaries and Scholarships promoting continued learning.


Discovery Program - FINALS - March 23rd, 2010

Teams may have the opportunity to present their project to a panel of industry judges, March 23th, 2010 at the Winnipeg Convention Centre. Selection of Teams will depend on registration numbers and possible run-off competitions to determine the final slate of Teams for the finals. Time will be allotted for each Team to present; Team name, members’ roles and responsibilities, strategic plan, budget reports and finally demonstration of lift, load and propulsion of their working hovercraft.

There will be a time allotment per presentation, including set-up and exit, of a maximum of 20 minutes. A moderator will facilitate each presentation.

Winning Teams will be announced at the close of the CME Conference on March 23th and will be recognized at the CME Gala Dinner – Thursday, March 25th. It is a requirement of registration to have the top three teams to be guests at the CME Gala Dinner, March 25th at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.


Registration

Registration fee per team member is $30.00. All fees are non-refundable and include hovercraft parts, kit rules and regulations, sponsor contacts, teacher’s guide. Teams are responsible for hand tools required to build their hovercraft design measuring tools, cutting devices, decorations for enhancing design and replacement of any components from kit if required.

Register Online!


Judging

Judges are key stakeholders representing education and industry. Each team will be given a time slot for 20 minutes to present. Judges will have 10 minutes to conclude scoring prior to the next Team presentation. The schedule will be every hour and half hour for a maximum of 14 teams with a one-hour lunch from 12:00 – 1:00 PM. Audience members will be allowed to enter and exit at the same hour and half hour.

Scores will be tabulated in the following categories:

  1. Business Plan/Budget
  2. Team Spirit
  3. Use of Resources – human and financial
  4. Conclusions/Recommendations
  5. Working hovercraft – lift, load and propulsion
  6. Plan for re-work (if necessary)

All participants will receive a Certificate of Accomplishment from CME. The top three teams will receive a Certificate of Excellence and special recognition at the CME Gala Awards Dinner.

Student Team Awards for the top three schools include name of: Team, School and name of each team member. Scholarships/bursaries are being coordinated to further student training/education for the top three teams.

Media Release – major dailies, community news and rural outlets. CME newsletter and website will feature winning teams, schools and industry sponsors.

 

For any additional information contact:
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
110 Lowson Crescent
Winnipeg, MB R3P 2H8
Phone: 204-949-1454
Email: mb.reception@cme-mec.ca