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Biomechanics as a tool for teaching minority students Dawnlee Roberson, PhD and Fred Hudson, PhD College of Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249

Abstract In the Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) summer college preparatory program at the University of Texas at San Antonio, low-income, first generation and students with disabilities that are college bound students are exposed to the fields of math, science, engineering, and technology. In the Summer 2005 program, students were challenged with the task of designing and performing an experiment having to measure a biomechanical movement. As two large groups, they learned about the mechanics of upper arm movement, designed experiments, watched as their experiments were performed, and then in smaller groups (3 or 4 students), they analyzed different portions of the experiment, wrote final reports, and gave final presentations.

Introduction UBMS is a college preparatory program, which prepares and encourages low-income, first generation college bound students and students with disabilities to pursue higher education in fields of math, science, engineering, and technology. UBMS students participate in a six-week Summer Academic Enrichment program. In the summer of 2005, the students participated in a class that introduced them to experimental design, data collection, and data collection tools, and analysis.

Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) The Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program at the University of Texas at San Antonio is one of the TRIO Programs - outreach-based programs dedicated to helping low- income and first-generation college bound, secondary students to improve their grades and enroll and graduate from an institute of higher education. The program at UTSA is one of over 124 Upward Bound Math & Science programs serving students throughout the country. TRIO is supported by a federal grant for four years. UBMS at UTSA concentrates on strengthening math and science skills in its students. Students are also taught computer technology, English, foreign languages and study skills as part of the program. The UBMS program paid for their tuition, books, rooms at an on-campus dormitory and board. In addition to the academic work, enrichment and cultural sessions took place in 2005. This year a research component was added to the program. The students participated in a 40 hour program to help them start thinking about what engineers and scientists do.

The majority of the 45 current UTSA UMBS students are low income, primarily Hispanic and first generation university students, of which half of them are from outreach sites including Eagle Pass, Del Rio, and Uvalde as well as a San Antonio High School. The students enrolled in the program have the potential for success in post secondary education but have a need for program services not available at their local high school. Of the first graduating cohort (2003), at least 80% went on to college, which is very high when compared to historical averages for low income, first generation students.

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Hudson, F., & Roberson, D. (2006, June), Biomechanics As A Tool For Teaching Minority Students Paper presented at 2006 Annual Conference & Exposition, Chicago, Illinois. 10.18260/1-2--1390