Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) Heidi Diefes-Dux Teri Reed-Rhoads

Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) Purdue University recognized center (est. 2006) Funded by S.D. Bechtel, Jr. and the Martinson Family Foundation VISION To create an engineering literate society through preeminence in P-12 engineering education research and scholarship MISSION To construct theory on engineering thinking and learning and to inspire diverse students to pursue engineering and science for the benefit of humanity and the advancement of society

Who becomes as engineer? Typical Statistics: Out of th graders in Texas 62 graduate from High School 32 enter college 19 are still in college 2 nd year 11 will obtain a degree <2 will be engineers

Global Competition Number of Engineering Graduates New China > 350,000 New India > 200,000 USA = 75,000 Serious economic and standard-of-living implications!!!

Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) Investigate how students learn and to instill a desire in students to study engineering from elementary through high school –Prepare teachers to successfully implement engineering curriculum in P-12 classrooms –Increase classroom activities that build students’ conceptual understanding of and ability to apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in real-world contexts –Increase the numbers and diversity of students majoring in engineering disciplines at the university level

INSPIRE Activities Research/DiscoveryEducation/LearningOutreach/Engagement  Bechtel Faculty Scholars  YES Research Seed Grants  Graduate Students  Research Assistantships  INSPIRE Summer Academy I & II  Bechtel Fellows  Engineers in The Classroom  K-12 Engineering Teacher’s Program  INSPIRE Institutes  Informal Education  Communications and Marketing  Legislative issues  Public Affairs and Policy  Conferences and Events

INSPIRE Summer Academy Program Learning Objectives At the end of the week-long program, teachers were to be able to: Convey a broad perspective of the nature and practice of engineering Articulate the differences and similarities between engineering and science thinking Develop a level of comfort in discussing what engineers do and how engineers solve problems with P-6 grade students Use problem-solving processes (i.e. science inquiry, model development, and design processes) to engage P-6 grade students in complex open- ended problem solving

Bechtel Fellows Innovative Teachers in P-6 Month-long Residence on Purdue Campus working with INSPIRE faculty and staff INSPIRE Summer Academies –Curriculum Development –Instructors, Mentors, and Implementation Advisors Mathematical Modeling Activities –Professional Development –Curriculum Development