Title

Computer Engineering Course for K-12 Teachers Assisted by First-Year ECE Undergrads

Investigators

James B. Patton, Principal Investigator; University of Maine, Orono

Additional Participants

Senior Personnel

Richard Eason
Andrew Sheaff

Project Period

September 1, 2002-August 31, 2004

Level of Access

Open-Access Report

Grant Number

0211207

Submission Date

7-16-2007

Abstract

A sophomore-level course will be designed that introduces computer engineering fundamentals to pre-service science and math teachers in a highly interactive, hands-on environment, using active, cooperative learning methods. In cooperation with existing efforts, it will also be adapted to appeal to in-service teachers seeking a Masters degree in science or math education. It will illustrate how to use microprocessor based, mini-data acquisition systems, and robotics to create projects demonstrating physics and math concepts satisfying the Maine Learning Results and other national education standards. These materials will be distributed over the web.

A unique aspect of this effort will be the recruitment and engagement of honors-level first-year Electrical and Computer Engineering and pre-service College of Education students to help develop curricular content that will interest middle and high school students. In-service teachers will be included in the development of pedagogy that efficiently conveys the engineering material to future science and math teachers.

This project will introduce the engineering application of science and math, as well as providing a bridge between such informal science innovations as First Robotics, First Lego League, Bot Ball, etc. and the classroom environment. The major benefit, however, to the engineering establishment will be the application of and emphasis on engineering concepts to the science/math K-12 infrastructure. Through this course, pre-service and in-service teachers will be equipped with the tools to illustrate engineering principles and how they relate to concepts normally taught in conventional science and math courses.

Rights and Access Note

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Recommended Citation

Patton, James B., "Computer Engineering Course for K-12 Teachers Assisted by First-Year ECE Undergrads" (2007). University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports. 150.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/orsp_reports/150