Track 2 NSF GK-12 Fellows Project STEP (Science and Technology Enhancement Program): Building "STEMcinnati City"

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus, Cincinnati OH

Investigators

Abstract

This proposal describes a Track 2 project developed by the University of Cincinnati that will partner fellows and teachers to develop curriculum modules in the framework called "STEMcinnati City". This Track 2 Project STEP-a partnership of UC faculty and 5 graduate Fellows, 5 strategically chosen high schools, and community and industrial partners-strives to further improve STEM interest and skills of high school students using engineering as a context for authentic learning through an overarching project. The vision is to develop a seamless community of UC and K-12 learners sharing STEM knowledge. The primary goals of this project are: 1) to train, energize and sustain graduate engineering, math and science Fellows to effectively teach STEM skills to secondary school students; 2) to develop hierarchical and expandable STEM lesson plans that explicitly connect key concepts at different grade levels; and 3) to plant the seeds of systemic change at UC and K-12 schools through synergistic partnerships that ensure the sustainability of the program beyond NSF funding. Partners: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Public Schools: Hughes Teaching and Technology High School, Hughes CAMAS High School, Western Hills Design Technology High School, Western Hills University High School, and Shroder Paidea High School.