Conference Session

Assessment of K-12 Engineering Programs & Issues

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michele Strutz, Purdue University; Matthew Ohland, Purdue University; Erin Bowen, Purdue University; Eric Mann, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

, integrating engineering conceptsand engineering college education and career options into the K-6 curriculum are a necessarychange.One way to determine if engineering is a good fit is for a student to use a self-assessmentinstrument. A self-assessment tool helps an individual discover more about him/her self55. Inmaking career choices, an assessment of one’s skills, interests, personality, and values influencescareer decisions9. Exploration of the literature reveals that an instrument for self-assessment ofyoung engineering talent, interest, and fit does not exist.The purpose of this research is to create an instrument to help fifth and sixth grade studentsidentify themselves as having engineering interest and potential. The purpose of this

Conference Session

Enhancing Recruitment and Retention in Engineering

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Keith Walters; Keisha Walters

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

lessrigorous than major courses, providing the students with an opportunity to broaden their horizonsand explore new areas.Traditionally, the courses offered at MGS have been skewed towards the Arts and Humanities.For example, during the 2008 session, only two major courses and no interest area courses had ascience focus, and no courses of either type had a mathematics focus. Aside from the courseoffering discussed in this paper, the other science-themed course title was: “Cloning,Transgenics, Bioethics: Leadership Decisions for the Future.” Because the MGS programincluded some of the brightest students in the state, and because there was a clear lack of science,technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) content, the authors identified MGS as a

Conference Session

Gender and Minority Issues in K-12 Engineering

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joan Kowalski, Penn State University - New Kensington; Tracie L. Brockhoff, Penn State University - New Kensington

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

experience of practical laboratory applications in conjunction with technical laboratory reports. ≠ To stimulate critical thinking skills as a preparation for college study in engineering, engineering technology and science. ≠ To strengthen decision-making skills for exploring the changing academic and career opportunities which exist for college-bound students, through interaction with female role models currently employed in engineering, engineering technology and science. ≠ To introduce prospective students and their families to XXXX XXXX, regardless of career choice. ≠ To involve the parents in order to impact their attitudes and serve as an informational

Conference Session

Gender and Minority Issues in K-12 Engineering

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeanne Christman, Rochester Institute of Technology; Elizabeth Dell, Rochester Institute of Technology; Robert Garrick, Rochester Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

by Making it FunAbstractThis paper describes a workshop, led by female Engineering Technology students with supportfrom female faculty members, that introduces engineering concepts to 4th -7th grade girls througha series of interactive laboratory experiments. The day-long workshops are offered to area GirlScouts and are intended to increase the girls’ interest in engineering. In support of this goal,hands-on experiments are carefully designed to: 1) show the girls that science can be both funand creative 2) connect science and engineering to things in everyday life that they already knowand care about 3) demonstrate that women can make a positive impact on the world with a careerin engineering.The workshops take place on the college campus

Conference Session

Women in K-12 Engineeering & Outreach Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carolyn Vallas, University of Virginia; Wraegen Williams PhD, University of Virginia; Ping Guan, University of Virginia

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

week program incorporated the unique feature of teamlaboratory collaborations under the guidance of faculty members and graduate students. Formany students, this was their first time conducting research. Although this was the case,approximately 80% of the participants ranked this activity with a 4.5 on a 5.0 scale.Comparatively, we found that on average about 60% of students enjoyed the facultypresentations and panel discussions. This 20% drop in enthusiasm probably stems from the lackof critical thinking required to listen. Evaluations from the 2009 EMBHSSC, showcorresponding results to the programs mentioned above. Many campers found the presentationsuninteresting if no demo or hands-on component was included. When asked for their

Conference Session

Engineering in the Middle Grades

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roy McGrann, State University of New York, Binghamton; Wayne Jones, State University of New York, Binghamton; Susannah Gal, State University of New York, Binghamton; Andy Cavagnetto, State University of New York, Binghamton; Dan Brennan, Broome Community College - SUNY; Thomas O'Brien, State University of New York, Binghamton

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

communication skills. Community members andleaders, parents, school administrators, local teachers and the press are invited to this event.Student Projects The research projects are a new and exciting experience that Go Green provides students.Even though certain general questions such as those mentioned above are used to begin theprojects, students are challenged to develop their own scientific hypothesis and describe anexperimental approach to justify their position. Students work on these group projects during the Project Work sessions of each day. AGo Green mentor (a faculty member, teacher, or graduate student) works with each group as aresource during this time. In addition, students conduct research each day after they leave

Conference Session

Women in K-12 Engineeering & Outreach Programs

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Arlisa Labrie Richardson, Estrella Mountain Community College; Maria Reyes, Estrella Mountain Community College; Marge Goodman, Intel Corporation

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

; specifically examining the impact of team interactions and gender. Arlisa's research interest includes issues of engineering recruitment, retention, and equity in science, engineering and technology,which stems from her personal academic and professional experience as an engineer. Before returning to graduate school to pursue a Doctorate degree, she worked as an engineer in the semiconductor manufacturing industry for ten years. In her current position, Director of Learning Support Services at Estrella Mountain Community College (EMCC)in Avondale,AZ, she utilizes her academic and professional background to prepare students for successful careers in the science, technology

Conference Session

Mentoring & Outreach for Girls & Minorities

Collection

2010 Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robin Liles, NCA&T State University; Cindy Waters, North Carolina A&T State University; Devdas Pai, North Carolina A&T State University; Courtney Lambeth, NCA&T State University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

a creative, innovative, and globally competitive diverseworkforce for the United States biomedical implant industry and improve PhD graduation ratesin nano/bio research, especially among African-American students, women, and socially andeconomically disadvantaged students. Subsumed within the ERC is an Education and Outreachcomponent. The purpose of the ERC Education and Outreach Program may be described as amulti-dimensional endeavor with activities specifically designed for pre-university education (K-14) and curricular education of undergraduate and graduate students in bioengineering.Encouraging the development of a creative, innovative, and globally competitive workforce isimportant, and may be deemed particularly significant at the