TECH EXPLORER: ENGAGING STUDENTS IN STEM EDUCATION AND CAREERS

Tech-Explorer弹射器项目为中学生提供了一门数学课程，并结合了基于创新项目的实验室体验。在课堂上，学生们使用动力和手工工具制作并组装成一个小型弹射器。完成后，学生与他们的弹射器比赛。该项目结合了“及时”的数学，并结合了类似于制造或维修技术人员在工作中所做的实践经验。为了加强学生的学习成果，该项目1)创建了两个教学模块，教授制作弹射器的数学概念；2)将这些模块与加州教育内容标准相连接；3)在六所高中测试模块并评估学习成果；4)为教师提供基于项目学习的在职暑期学院。Tech-Explorer提高了对将学术概念与实践项目相结合的有效性的理解，作为增加学习动机的一种手段。此外，该项目为学生提供了一种体验，通过这种体验，他们可以衡量自己对STEM教育和职业的兴趣和能力。项目成果和课程通过在职暑期学院传播给中学和高等教育工作者。一个可搜索的应用学术课程计划的互联网数据库进一步促进了基于项目的学习研究和实施，并广泛传播成果。

The Tech-Explorer catapult project delivers to students in secondary school a mathematics curriculum integrated with an innovative project-based laboratory experience. Students use power and hand tools to make and assemble parts into a small catapult during class time. Upon completion, students compete with their catapults. The project incorporates "just in time" mathematics coupled with a hands-on experience similar to what a manufacturing or repair technician might do on the job. To strengthen student learning outcomes, the project 1) creates two instructional modules to teach mathematics concepts integrated into making a catapult; 2) connects the modules to California education content standards; 3) tests the modules at six high schools and evaluates learning outcomes; and 4) delivers an in-service summer institute for teachers on project-based learning. Tech-Explorer advances understanding regarding the effectiveness of integrating academic concepts with hands-on projects as a means to increase motivation for learning. Additionally, the project provides students with an experience by which they can gauge their interest and aptitude in STEM education and careers. Project outcomes and curricula are disseminated to secondary and post secondary educators through the in-service summer institute. A searchable Internet database of applied academic lesson plans furthers project-based learning research and implementation, as well as widely disseminates outcomes.