Issue 3 - December 2022

Igniting A Spark in Engineering

Need help planning engaging content before extended breaks?
KEEN can help! 

by Kyle McMahon
KEEN State Coordinator

The days and weeks leading up to extended breaks or vacations can be stressful for anyone...and teachers are no exception. Planning engaging classroom activities to keep your student's attention ahead of highly anticipated breaks, like winter or spring break, can be challenging. A KEEN presentation or activity may be the answer. 

KEEN presentations and activities are fun for the students while working in educational STEM principles. KEEN offers many activities focusing on various math and science lessons that can fit into your learning objectives. Our bridge presentation is perfect for students learning about geometry. The KEEN presenter explains why truss bridges use triangles to support the bridge’s weight and vehicles. If your students have learned about Archimedes’ principle of buoyance, then the build-your-own boat exercise using aluminum foil offers a fun hands-on activity. KEEN presenters also offer an Enviroscape presentation on keeping our environment healthy and clean while teaching students about how pollution affects everyone.

Available anytime during the school year, a KEEN presentation is a great way to supplement and reinforce the education students receive in the classroom through play.  If this sounds like something your students would enjoy, then don't hesitate to get in touch with us. KEEN presenters would be happy to work with you to lighten your load and make those last few days before a break educational and fun.

Did you know...

Ever wonder how we clear snow that’s mounted along a median barrier wall? Synchronized snow plowing! Several staggered plows drive in a slow sequence as snow is pushed from the left emergency lane to the shoulders on the right of the highway. 

Watch one of our contracted snowfighting crews work with precision to move snow across three traffic lanes on Interstate 75 in Lexington. This ensures shoulders stay clear for emergency use and keeps drainage systems unclogged. 

The SPARKS newsletter is emailed periodically to subscribers with information about careers, STEM presentations, events and more. Please sign up below:

Traveling this season? Make sure you pack an emergency kit in your vehicle. Check goky.ky.gov for any closures or traffic delays.

Winter Season Safe Driving Tips

Safe roadways are a shared responsibility, especially during inclement weather when risks increase.  KYTC encourages motorists to prepare for winter and remain safe by following these tips:

• Travel only when necessary during major snow events.
• Stock vehicles with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, a flashlight, a cell phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a first aid kit should you get stranded on the road.
• Winterize your vehicle. Check your car battery, tire pressure and brakes. Ensure your heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are working properly.
• When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly no matter what type of vehicle you drive. It takes more time and distance to stop your vehicle in poor weather, so brake early and slowly.
• Pay attention to weather advisories and allow more time to travel for routine commutes.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for developing black ice – a thin coating of clear ice that can form on the pavement surface that may be difficult to see.
• Maintain a safe distance from snowplows and other heavy highway equipment, and do not pass snowplows on the shoulder.
• Know before you go. Download the free WAZE app or visit goky.ky.gov to check traffic conditions before you travel. The map also offers access to select traffic cameras on interstates and parkways.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, such as using a phone and or eating.

Scholarship Selection Process

Being selected for a KYTC scholarship is a very rewarding accomplishment. Each year, 20 to 30 new students are selected from an average of 75+ applicants and the selection process is quite competitive. GPA and ACT scores are taken into consideration; however, there are other factors that are just as, or more, important. Here are a couple of tips to make an application stand out from the pack and gain an interview:

• The essay doesn’t have to be long, but we want to know why the student wants to work for KYTC when they graduate, not just why they want to be an engineer or engineering technologist. These programs are a pipeline for KYTC engineers and technologists, and we are looking for students who are committed to working for us when they graduate.
• The student may not have paid work experience, but volunteer activities, sports (and positions held), club activities and any leadership positions should be listed. We are looking for future engineers who know how to work well with others and have the potential to be great employees.

Students can begin working on their application now. Don’t wait until the last minute. Visit our scholarship page to download an application and learn more about the selection process.

Deadline to apply is February 1, 2023.

Other KEEN News:

They're not elves but they sure do work hard! We're talking about KYTC snowfighters who help keep Kentuckians safely moving during winter snow and ice events. They have lots of tricks up their sleeves to help keep roads clear. 

Did you know we have...

• More than 2,000 snowfighters
• 1,365 snow plow trucks
• 300,000+ tons of salt
• Nearly 1 million gallons of brine
• Over 1 million gallons of calcium chloride 

When temperatures are above freezing and rain doesn't come before a snow event, some our crews treat highways with brine. Brine is a mixture of salt and water applied to roads to make it harder for ice and snow to stick. When temperatures are extremely low, crews mix salt with calcium chloride to help activate salt's melting ability.  

Want KEEN to come to your classroom?

The aluminum boat activity is one of KEEN's many hands-on class activities.

Learn more about the KEEN program on our website. 

Have a safe and joyous holiday season from all of us at KYTC. 

KYTC'S Mission

To provide a safe, efficient, environmentally sound and fiscally responsible transportation system that delivers economic opportunity and enhances the quality of life in Kentucky.