Research Infused STEM Curriculum (RISC)

South Carolina State University, Orangeburg SC

Investigators

Abstract

South Carolina State University (SCSU) will implement a Research- Infused STEM Curriculum (RISC) that will have a direct impact on approximately 500 STEM students per year. The changes to the curriculum will eventually benefit all STEM students who enroll at SCSU. Sixty (60) students will be designated as STEM Scholars and will receive financial assistance through RISC scholarships provided by grant and university funds. The RISC project is based on a careful analysis of institutional needs by STEM faculty. The foundation of the project is the involvement of STEM students in research from the freshman year through graduation. The redesign of the STEM curriculum will infuse and integrate current scientific and technological concepts across the disciplines. The goal of the project is to improve the quality of the STEM curriculum and increase the number of underrepresented STEM undergraduates who are well prepared for STEM careers or graduate studies. The overall objective is to develop and implement a research-infused curriculum that addresses the identified needs of STEM students. The three strategies that will be implemented to achieve the goal and objective are 1) to identify, recruit and retain talented STEM students; 2) to improve the quality of the STEM curriculum; and 3) to expand opportunities for student research and to better prepare students for graduate school. RISC consists of a set of comprehensive, synergistic activities designed to have a broad impact on the learning experiences afforded students and will increase their preparation and competitiveness for careers and further study in STEM disciplines. The proposed project uses the successful IMPEC (Integrated Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, and Chemistry Curriculum) model developed at North Carolina State University to integrate curriculum in biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and engineering technology. A unique addition to IMPEC at SCSU will be the addition of research topics of current scientific or technological interest. To ensure successful implementation and institutionalization of curriculum enhancements faculty development activities are a major component of RISC. Intellectual Merit: RISC will advance knowledge and understanding of how a research-infused curriculum and a program of student research can increase participation in STEM careers and raise achievement for African-American students. The project has been carefully conceived, has adequate resources, and will be administered by experienced staff and faculty. Broader Impact: RISC supports both student research and curriculum enhancements, it will have a broad impact on the education of minority students in South Carolina. SCSU has a 93% African-American enrollment and is dedicated to developing a more diverse workforce of STEM professionals. RISC results will be presented in many venues: conferences, publications, and web sites. Society benefits from RISC by insuring that minority students, who make up an increasing fraction of the workforce, are properly trained to take on the responsibilities of STEM careers. SCSU will use the HBCU-UP grant to build upon its legacy by significantly increasing the quality and number of students that it prepares for STEM careers and for STEM graduate study through improving the quality of its curricula, expanding the opportunities for student research, and increasing the number of opportunities for internships in industry and government labs, and at other universities.