Austin teacher recognized at national STEM competition

HOUSTON (KXAN) — Students around the world gathered in Houston over the weekend to participate in the Conrad Challenge. The annual STEM competition invites thousands of students to Space Center Houston, where they can pitch innovative ideas to change the world.

This year, Austin teacher Joel Schildwachter with the nonPareil Institute was awarded the Innovative Teacher Award. Schildwachter’s class also participated in the challenge, submitting their idea for a health app.

When asked about the honor, Schildwachter instead chose to talk about his class.

“As adults with autism, many components of traveling to another city to pitch a product they built in front of a panel of judges they have not met before presents many challenges,” Schildwachter said. “Not only did they overcome those challenges, but they knocked them out of the park! They spoke with confidence, shared their story, and delivered something they believe can make the world a better place for people with disabilities.”

Students competed for scholarships and grants. Winning teams pitched ideas that included methods for preventing airplanes from icing over, using laser to recharge satellites and developing new technology for vehicle auto-pilot.

Teams were scored and given feedback before winners were selected. Twenty-six teams of high school students competed to be named a Pete Conrad Scholar– the competition’s highest honor.

The Conrad Challenge is named for the third person to walk on the moon, Pete Conrad. Founded by Conrad’s wife after his passing, the challenge aims to “foster the next generation of entrepreneurs”, according to their website.

The nonPariel Institute, where Schildwachter teaches, provides training for adults with autism. This year four team members, called a crew, from the institute participated in the Conrad Challenge. They received special training from Dell, who also sponsored their participation in the challenge.

“I’d like to thank the Conrad Foundation, Nancy Conrad, and Space Center Houston for giving our Crew this opportunity, believing in their ideas and contributions, and for supporting them along the way. When all are included, everybody benefits,” Schildwachter said.

The competition is hosted by Space Center Houston, the official visitor’s center for the Johnson Space Center.

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