1. Mechatronics and Robotics: A K—20 Continuum
Keywords: Authentic, Curriculum, Experiential, K-12, Laboratory, PD
Mechatronics and Robotics: A K—20 Continuum
Vikram Kapila

2. Why? Problem Educational objectives
Threat to US leadership of “innovation economy” from perennial disinterest in engineering, primitive labs, lack of modern curricula, inadequate teacher preparation, …
Disciplinary boundaries rendering engineering curricula and educational paradigms virtually stagnant
Outdated silos of education, research, training, …
Educational objectives
Develop synergies in education, research, mentoring, and outreach
Spark intellectual curiosity and engage interest in hands-on education, research, and creative and entrepreneurial explorations
Modernize engineering curricula, make it relevant to student interest, and address workforce demands for graduates with interdisciplinary training and practical experiences

3. When? Developmental history of innovation
1999: Real-time and web-enabled control lab (NSF—CCLI)
Connect classroom learning to real-world applications, evoke interest, …
Launch pad for NSF RET Site’03 and Mechatronics course’03
2004: A cadre of engineering students deploy in K-12 schools to promote STEM using mechatronics and robotics (NSF—GK12)
2009: Mobile augmented reality tools for lab education
: Advanced Mechatronics’14 and Robots for Disability’15
: NSF—DR K-12’14, RET Site’16, ITEST’16
2016: New M.S. degree in Mechatronics and Robotics

4. Where? Real-time and web-enabled control lab K-12 STEM Education
NYU Tandon, weeklong workshops for 11 grad students of other universities, demos at workshops, expos, …, and remote operation
K-12 STEM Education
300+ teachers: multi-day/week STEM PD
Developed lessons, labs, research clubs, and courses
150+ engineering students deployed in K-12 schools and programs to impact 10,000+ students
70+ lessons on Teachengineering.org
Workshops, panels, plenary talks, media, …
Novel engineering curricula
Individual courses and a new M.S. degree program

5. Mixed-Reality Interactions with
What?
MS in Mechatronics and Robotics
Undergrad Labs
Mixed-Reality Interactions with
Laboratory Test-beds
Annual Expo
Teacher PD
Inno/Vention Contest
K-12 STEM Lessons

6. Prognosis?
Documenting: Scholarly work, collaborative guidebook, and media
Scaling-up: Institutionalize (broaden scope, integrate in academic work, engage faculty and administrators) and Sustain (K-12 system, civic and public leaders, philanthropies, …)
Science of Smart Cities
Summer of STEM
Cyber Security
Challenges: Strategies for replication and industry partner recruitment