18.The D.C.public school system is ready to greatly expand its science?technology,engineering and math(STEM) offerings,thanks to a multimillion-dollar grant(奖助金) from the company Lockheed Martin.
The global security and aerospace company announced Friday that it has committed$6million to Project Lead The Way,a non-profit STEM curriculum(课程) provider,to train teachers and build programs in urban school districts,starting with D.C.public schools.
The District expects to receive about $2million in training and course materials over time,enough for every school in the District to carry out the program.
On Friday,some seventh grade robotics students at McKinley were building simple gear trains(齿轮系) and exploring some complex concepts.
This kind of exposure to hands-on projects gives students more motivation to work hard and take higher-level math and science classes,educators say.
A mentoring(指导) program is also being developed that will connect high school students with Lockheed Martin engineers,who can serve as role models and held students keep on through the challenging course work.
Educators and business leaders are increasingly concerned about the growing gap between skills students have by graduation and skills employers require in a high-tech economy.
There are many efforts underway that focus on encouraging women and minority students to become scientists and engineers,because very few consider these careers.
"We absolutely need the best and brightest technical talent to help us keep our competitive edge,"said Stephanie C.Hill,vice president and general manager for Lockheed Martin's information systems and global solutions civil business.
33.Educators believe the projects and activitiesD.
A.should be limited to top schools
B.will replace the current school courses
C.should be attractive to women and minority students
D.will help students understand math and science better
34.We can infer from the text thatC.
A.minority students won't take STEM courses
B.women scientists and engineers are greatly needed
C.students'abilities can't meet the employers'demands
D.Lockheed Martin engineers developed a mentoring program
35.What is Stephanie C.Hill's attitude toward the program?C
A.Unconcerned.B.Skeptical.
C.Positive.D.Critical.