The Teachengineering Digital Library: Engineering Comes Alive For K 12 Youth
Malinda Zarske, René Reitsma, Martha Cyr, Nancy L. Shaw, Michael A. Mooney, Jacquelyn Sullivan, Paul Klenk
Abstract
Do you believe that technological literacy should be a component of basic literacy? Are you convinced that engineering can be used as a vehicle for integrating science and math in K-12 settings, inspiring today's youth to be the innovators of tomorrow? Do you want to incorporate advances in engineering and technology to spice up the learning of science fundamentals? Are you and your engineering students compelled to engage in K-12 engineering yet don't know where to start? Truth be told, do you dream of a searchable, online collection of classroomtested K-12 engineering lessons and hands-on activities that explore science and math in an age-appropriate, applied fashion relevant to the lives of youth? If you do not know for which math or science that fourth-or eighth-grade teacher you are working with is accountable, or if compliance with K-12 educational standards baffles you, then the TeachEngineering digital library collection was created for you! The NSF-supported TeachEngineering digital library collection is a powerful resource for those in K-12 or higher education, industry and professional communities wanting to engage young students in the joys and creativity of an engineering future. In partnership with K-12 teachers, the initial collection was developed and classroom-tested by engineering students and faculty from four engineering colleges working on NSF GK-12 initiatives. The TeachEngineering curricula are aligned with national STEM educational standards and include quality-control criteria to ensure teacher-friendly, low-cost lessons and activities that integrate STEM concepts through engaging engineering exploration. See TeachEngineering.com.