Skip to main content
Article
Involving Engineering with In-Service K-4 Teachers
Proceedings of the 2003 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Staying in Tune with Engineering Education
  • Theresa M. Swift, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Steve Eugene Watkins, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Kristine Swenson, Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Evalee Lasater
  • Robert Mitchell, Missouri University of Science and Technology
Abstract

A strong workforce in science and engineering and literate citizens in a technology-based society depends on an educational system that prepares students in science, mathematics, and engineering. Unfortunately, many K-12 students lose interest in such topics early in their school years. Engineering applications can capture the imagination of students and illustrate the concepts in science and mathematics. Level-appropriate resources are as necessary for primary teachers and our young scholars as for teachers and students in higher grades. A model for interaction between engineers and K-4 teachers is proposed. The State of Missouri defines curriculum standards in each subject area and assesses student performance three times during a student's education. The first assessment for science is in the third grade and for mathematics is in the fourth grade. These standards were examined from an engineering perspective. In addition, in-service primary teachers were surveyed to determine their background, needs, and attitudes regarding science, mathematics, and engineering. Early years of an effective technical curriculum must introduce the basic concepts and begin layering this understanding with detail and connectivity. Our model shows how engineering applications can provide hearing, seeing, and doing components, i.e. auditory, visual, and kinesthetic educational activities, within the recommended pedagogy. The approach involves in-service teachers throughout the development process, addresses state standards and testing criteria, and partners specialists in engineering content and teacher training.

Meeting Name
2003 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Staying in Tune with Engineering Education (2003: Jun. 22-25, Nashville, Tennessee)
Department(s)
Electrical and Computer Engineering
Second Department
English and Technical Communication
Sponsor(s)
National Science Foundation (U.S)
American Society for Engineering Education, ASEE
Keywords and Phrases
  • Education Curriculum,
  • Math and Science Partnership (MSP),
  • Teacher Training,
  • University of Missouri-Rolla (UMR),
  • Curricula,
  • Personnel Training,
  • School Buildings,
  • Teaching,
  • Engineering Education
Electronic OCLC #
609706168
Print OCLC #
4617059
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Preprint
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2003 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), All rights reserved.
Publication Date
1-1-2003
Publication Date
01 Jan 2003
Citation Information
Theresa M. Swift, Steve Eugene Watkins, Kristine Swenson, Evalee Lasater, et al.. "Involving Engineering with In-Service K-4 Teachers" Proceedings of the 2003 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition: Staying in Tune with Engineering Education (2003) p. 10601 - 10612 ISSN: 0190-1052
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/kristine-swenson/49/