A Virtual Project-Based Learning Sandbox for Mimetics and Medically Inspired Classroom Engineering (MiMICRE)

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Project Summary/Abstract: The U.S. has more health science STEM jobs available than qualified workers to fill them and lags other OECD nations in math and science, with major achievement gaps and STEM workforce under-representation among women and students of color. Improved STEM education is needed in high school and early collegiate settings that engages, prepares, and inspires all students—and especially under-represented groups. 21st-century STEM jobs require not only STEM content knowledge but also problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Research has shown that team collaboration and application of STEM to problems in communities are effective at improving STEM outcomes in under-represented groups. Downstream, the follow-on effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have exacerbated STEM degree program recruitment and retention issues (especially among under-represented groups). Parametric Studio Inc. (PSI) believes collaborative game-based project learning experiences have the potential to address STEM deficiencies and under-representation while better preparing the future health science STEM workforce. However, innovations to project-based learning to add better connections to industry tools, improve engagement, ease implementation issues, reduce cost, and enhance authenticity or realism are needed. The overall goal of this multi-phase SBIR project is to develop, validate, and commercialize MiMICRE, a game-based STEM project learning platform that can address current deficiencies in project-based learning (PBL). MiMICRE utilizes applied math and science in the design, analysis, and simulation of bioscience, engineering, and biomimicry-focused STEM projects. In MiMICRE, users collaboratively design product solutions, apply math and science models to evaluate them, and then 3D-print and test results in the real world. Ultimately, MiMICRE will be sold to high school, post-secondary, and informal Ed. markets. This Phase II SBIR project is based on Phase I proof-of-concept success that demonstrated the functionality of key MiMICRE components and showed that platform elements are usable by students and teachers. Deployment in the classroom was validated: Phase I prototype testing produced several early indicators of improved student engagement, efficacy, and STEM content knowledge. Phase II work will thus focus on the following Aims: 1) develop Phase II enhancements to the MiMICRE Phase I prototype that will promote widespread adoption in high school and early collegiate settings; 2) show that third-party MiMICRE projects can be quickly defined for customers; and 3) conduct larger pilots to evaluate improvements in STEM knowledge, STEM interest and efficacy, and perceived connection of skills and knowledge to future STEM employment. Phase II will result in a completed, tested solution for improved STEM project-based learning in high schools and colleges. Phase II success is critical in terms of product validation, attracting follow-on private-sector investors/partners, and ultimate product commercialization.