The Impact of Experiential Learning for Motivating Interest in Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math Disciplines
Advisor Information
Willie Austin
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2016 10:45 AM
End Date
4-3-2016 12:15 PM
Abstract
This research is the result of experiential learning activities implemented with elementary and high school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The weekly programming was designed and implemented by UNO students, facilitating the growth of an existing relationship between UNO and the targeted schools, Omaha South High and Gomez Heritage Elementary. The goals of the project are to increase student interest, confidence, and knowledge in STEM areas, to connect UNO students with community service opportunities, and to nourish the existing relationship between UNO and the targeted schools. Programs to provide extracurricular STEM programming at Gomez and South were started by UNO students in 2014, and each school currently has a teacher that volunteers their time and classroom to host the program. The scope of the project for this proposal broadens the original intent, to provide extracurricular STEM programming, to include methods of evaluation and identify areas of potential research. Surveying of the K-12 students focused on interest, confidence, and knowledge in STEM areas. The findings available at this time are based on the elementary school program and include evaluations of a Draw an Engineer Test (DAET). The findings show that there is potential to broaden K-12 students’ understanding of STEM areas and to enhance the experience of UNO students through the continuation of this weekly programming.
The Impact of Experiential Learning for Motivating Interest in Science,Technology, Engineering, and Math Disciplines
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
This research is the result of experiential learning activities implemented with elementary and high school students in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The weekly programming was designed and implemented by UNO students, facilitating the growth of an existing relationship between UNO and the targeted schools, Omaha South High and Gomez Heritage Elementary. The goals of the project are to increase student interest, confidence, and knowledge in STEM areas, to connect UNO students with community service opportunities, and to nourish the existing relationship between UNO and the targeted schools. Programs to provide extracurricular STEM programming at Gomez and South were started by UNO students in 2014, and each school currently has a teacher that volunteers their time and classroom to host the program. The scope of the project for this proposal broadens the original intent, to provide extracurricular STEM programming, to include methods of evaluation and identify areas of potential research. Surveying of the K-12 students focused on interest, confidence, and knowledge in STEM areas. The findings available at this time are based on the elementary school program and include evaluations of a Draw an Engineer Test (DAET). The findings show that there is potential to broaden K-12 students’ understanding of STEM areas and to enhance the experience of UNO students through the continuation of this weekly programming.