Using a Nationwide Internet‐Based Bridge Design Contest as a Vehicle for Engineering Outreach

Ressler, Stephen J.; Ressler, Eugene K.

doi:10.1002/j.2168-9830.2004.tb00796.x

Cited by 16 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Experiences indicate that topics which utilize hands-on activities and lead to a design competition will motivate students [6,7]. We chose The Fuel Cell Future as an example to showcase in this paper.…”

Section: Implementing a Project With U-discoverymentioning

confidence: 98%

A model for high-school teacher professional development and student learning

Nelson

Turner

Crittenden

et al. 2009

2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference

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This paper describes a model for high-school teacher professional development and student learning that can be readily adapted by other universities seeking meaningful partnerships with K-12 schools. In this program, university engineering and science faculty work collaboratively with high school teachers to present challenging engineering design projects to high school students.Our program consists of a series of Teacher Workshops for high school teachers, each followed by a Discovery Weekend with their students, and culminating in a challenge weekend. Each project includes a thorough integration of mathematics, science and engineering, thereby leading to a much deeper understanding of how the mathematics and science topics taught in high school are related to engineering design. This approach has led to increased confidence in the high school teachers, increased interest in STEM topics among the students, and a heightened awareness of the role engineering can play in meeting the challenges facing our society. The collaboration between university faculty and high school teachers maximizes the benefit to the students by having both their regular teachers and university faculty directly involved in their projects. It also effectively demonstrates to the students how diverse teams can often provide better solutions to problems.

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Section: Implementing a Project With U-discoverymentioning

confidence: 98%

A model for high-school teacher professional development and student learning

Nelson

Turner

Crittenden

et al. 2009

2009 39th IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Mega-structures are other well-known applications used in T-STEM schools. Mega-structures such as bridges and towers require physics and mathematical knowledge at different levels along with engineering skills (Ressler & Ressler, 2004). Technology in such instruction has the minor role but is still crucial for searching various building techniques.…”

Section: Stem Education Within T-stem Contextmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining the Role of Inclusive STEM Schools in the College and Career Readiness of Students in the United States: A Multi-Group Analysis on the Outcome of Student Achievement

2015

EDUC SCI-THEOR PRACT

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The most prominent option for finding a solution to the shortage of workers with STEM knowledge has been identified as specialized STEM schools by policymakers in the United States. The current perception of specialized STEM schools can be described as a unique environment that includes advanced curriculum, expert teachers, and opportunities for internships and immersion. This study highlights the college readiness of STEM school graduates in comparison with traditional high school graduates. Using 11th grade students' high-stake test results in reading, mathematics, and science, this article compares the achievement outcomes of both school types. In answering the research questions related to student success for attendees of either STEM or traditional schools, this research concluded that success with reading, mathematics, and science high-stake tests for students does not differ by school type. However, student demographic variables (gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and special education status) may influence the success of students attending STEM schools. For example, the results revealed a statistical significance between the reading, mathematics, and science scores of male, Hispanic, White, and economically disadvantaged students from STEM and traditional schools.

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“…Another example is the bridge building exercise. Here, students are introduced to the fundamentals of bridge design via the West Point Bridge Designer software [8]. These concepts are further enhanced by actual, "hands on" bridge construction using the K-NEX® building sets.…”

Section: Planning Activitiesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Bringing "engineering forward" to the high schools: one university's experience in starting an engineering summer camp program

Lorenz

34th Annual Frontiers in Education, 2004. FIE 2004.

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The concept of "Engineering Forward" has proven successful in increasing freshman engineering retention, despite the heavy course loading in mathematics, chemistry and physics, which are typically taught by faculty outside of engineering. Under this doctrine, students are engaged early in their college stay through innovative courses with the aim of establishing an engineering identity. The success of this model can be seen in that most engineering curricula now employ some form of the Engineering Forward concept.The author, however, contends that the full potential of this approach lies not only with the engineering freshmen but also at the high school level, where a similar set of imposed mandates has shaped the curricular offerings. To address this problem, many universities have instituted an engineering camp. This paper presents a description of the objectives, planning, methodology, administration and statistical results for the Engineering Summer Camps offered at Widener University. Although many engineering camps exist, this paper is intended to relate how one university, with limited resources, was able to meet this challenge.

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Using a Nationwide Internet‐Based Bridge Design Contest as a Vehicle for Engineering Outreach

Cited by 16 publications

References 9 publications

A model for high-school teacher professional development and student learning

A model for high-school teacher professional development and student learning

Examining the Role of Inclusive STEM Schools in the College and Career Readiness of Students in the United States: A Multi-Group Analysis on the Outcome of Student Achievement

Bringing "engineering forward" to the high schools: one university's experience in starting an engineering summer camp program

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