Focus on STEM Education Sierra College CACT is focused on STEM education & product development Need a supply of future STEM workers Students are not prepared for college- level STEM

What does it take to interest middle and high school students in STEM? (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

The thrill of making something Awakens hidden talents Makes learning relevant Inspires education & career plans

Build a catapult project Create catapult curriculum & lab Present & test in schools Outcomes Lessons learned What’s next

Project goals Provide experience to: Make abstract lessons relevant for students Attract girls to STEM Engage educators Tie to State Standards Integrate academic and technical education

Tech-Explorer instructional concepts Hands-on, project-based learning “Just-in-time” not “Just-in-case” Team problem solving Equipment & methods used in industry

Mobile lab Equipment Raw materials Back-up parts Equipment modified for safety Storage facility Vehicle

Secure school commitment Present concept at school staff meetings Meet with teachers and administrators Identify space to build a catapult

Work with the teacher Pre-event class meeting:  Instructions & safety  Teams  Photo release  Survey Three hours for project & competition Post-event survey & career discussion

Assure student success Instructional video Written instructions 1:6 ratio of trainers to students Use college students as trainers Train student team leader who guides team

Plan for marketing opportunities Prepare main messages Identify key audiences Invite:  School Board  Counselors, administrators, and teachers  Teachers from other schools Notify press & send article to school paper Student photo release

Competition motivates students Competition & prizes:  Most accurate boy & girl  First completed catapult  Most helpful student Encourage experiments to improve performance

Tech-Explorer outcomes Engage students & staff Integrate CTE & academics to promote learning & retention

Tech-Explorer impact 23 Schools 840 Students 25 teachers and CACT Directors trained

Post-event survey Automated Manufacturing includes the fields of design, fabrication engineering, technology and manufacturing. Did today’s project create an interest in any of these areas? 71% Yes Would you consider taking a class in Automated Manufacturing Technology? 68% Yes Would you consider a career in Automated Manufacturing Technology? 55% Yes

Tech-Explorer outcomes Students experience: Project based learning Power & hand tools Industry methods Following instructions Leadership & team work Career Exploration

Tech-Explorer Outcomes - Publicity

Lessons learned Hands-on projects work in many settings: One room school Suburban/Urban Alternative Court ordered Middle School High School College

Lessons learned Start with educators who “get it” Catalyst for new secondary and college curriculum + partners Applications for industry training Integrated curriculum – harder than it sounds

Next steps Advanced projects – electric, solar & electronic “Institutionalize” project at schools Pre and post event curriculum modules Funding to catapult it forward

Documents CD Movie DVD Tech-Explorer.com Sierra College Resources