WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 1,600 local students, teachers and chaperones from 16 New England middle schools immersed themselves in the field of engineering today through an "Explore Engineering Day" event organized by Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) and held at the Museum of Science, Boston.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111014/NE86070-a )

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111014/NE86070-b )

The first-of-its-kind event introduced students to fundamental engineering concepts through interaction with Raytheon engineers and volunteers at hands-on activity stations that brought to life the wonders of robotics, satellites and air traffic control. By completing tasks at the three activity stations, plus a fourth station devoted to mathematics, students qualified to earn an honorary "engineering certificate" to take home as a memento of their achievements.

The event, sponsored by Raytheon as part of the company's MathMovesU® program that champions math and science education throughout the United States, featured a kickoff presentation by popular television meteorologist Matt Noyes of New England Cable News (NECN).

Mark E. Russell, Raytheon Company vice president of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance, said, "Raytheon is committed to inspiring tomorrow's engineers, scientists and technologists by introducing them to new and innovative approaches to the field. Today's event is another unique experience delivered by Raytheon's MathMovesU program that exposes students to some of the interesting opportunities a career in engineering can offer."

"The Museum is committed to offering new and exciting interactive programs that focus on engineering and technology," said Paul Fontaine, the Museum of Science's vice president of Education. "We are thrilled that, through our partnership with Raytheon, the Museum can host this first-of-a-kind event that sparks students' interest in engineering through hands-on activities with practicing engineers and in important fields like robotics, satellites and air traffic control."

Raytheon is the Museum of Science, Boston's longest active corporate supporter with a relationship dating to 1953. Raytheon recently announced a $1 million sponsorship to the museum in support of its Engineering is Elementary^® (EiE) program that taps into the natural curiosity of school children to cultivate their understanding of engineering and technology. The EiE curriculum provides a structure for teamwork as students work together to apply their knowledge of science and math in creative ways, and to design, create and improve possible solutions. Raytheon's investment will support the training of elementary school teachers using the EiE curriculum and expand EiE training hubs beyond Boston, establishing new professional development centers in Washington, D.C., Phoenix, Ariz., and Huntsville, Ala., to facilitate the adoption of EiE by more classrooms throughout the country.

About MathMovesU

Raytheon's MathMovesU program is committed to increasing middle and elementary school students' interest in math and science education by engaging them in hands-on, interactive activities. The innovative programs of MathMovesU include Raytheon's Sum of all Thrills™ experience at INNOVENTIONS at Epcot^®, which showcases math in action as students design and experience their own thrill ride using math fundamentals; the "In the Numbers" game, a partnership with the New England Patriots on display at The Hall at Patriot Place™ presented by Raytheon; the company's ongoing sponsorship of the MATHCOUNTS^® National Competition; and the MathMovesU scholarship and grant program providing more than $1 million in annual funding to students and teachers. Follow MathMovesU and other Raytheon community outreach programs on Twitter @RaytheonCSR.

About Raytheon

Raytheon Company, with 2010 sales of $25 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With a history of innovation spanning 89 years, Raytheon provides state-of-the-art electronics, mission systems integration and other capabilities in the areas of sensing; effects; and command, control, communications and intelligence systems, as well as a broad range of mission support services. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 72,000 people worldwide. For more about Raytheon, visit us at www.raytheon.com and follow us on Twitter at @raytheon.

About the Museum of Science, Boston

One of the world's largest science centers and Boston's most attended cultural institution, the Museum introduces about 1.5 million visitors a year to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) via dynamic programs and hundreds of exhibits. Highlights include the Thomson Theater of Electricity, Charles Hayden Planetarium, Mugar Omni Theater, Gordon Current Science & Technology Center, 3-D Digital Cinema and Butterfly Garden. Founded in 1830, the Museum was first to embrace all the sciences under one roof. Today, the Museum is the only science center in the country with a comprehensive strategy and infrastructure to foster technological literacy in both science museums and schools nationwide. Its National Center for Technological Literacy®'s engineering curricula (including EiE) have reached 30,000 teachers and close to 3 million students nationwide. Visit http://www.mos.org. Follow the Museum on Twitter at @museumofscience, and become a fan of the Museum on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/museumofscience

Media Contacts

Raytheon Company
Kristyn Lao
781.522.5126
corporatepr@raytheon.com

InkHouse
Scott Montminy
781.966.4100
raytheonpr@inkhouse.net

SOURCE Raytheon Company