Award Abstract # 0402616
Engineering Technology Competencies: Integrating Curriculum and Forging Pathways

NSF Org: DUE
Division Of Undergraduate Education
Recipient: BISMARCK PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.1
Initial Amendment Date: June 24, 2004
Latest Amendment Date: February 26, 2008
Award Number: 0402616
Award Instrument: Standard Grant
Program Manager: Ning Fang
DUE
 Division Of Undergraduate Education
EDU
 Directorate for STEM Education
Start Date: August 1, 2004
End Date: February 28, 2009 (Estimated)
Total Intended Award Amount: $0.00
Total Awarded Amount to Date: $374,440.00
Funds Obligated to Date: FY 2004 = $374,440.00
History of Investigator:
  • Tanna Kincaid (Principal Investigator)
    tanna_kincaid@educ8.org
  • Don Fischer (Co-Principal Investigator)
  • James Boe (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
  • Janelle Masters (Former Co-Principal Investigator)
Recipient Sponsored Research Office: Bismarck Public School District #1
128 SOO LINE DR
BISMARCK
ND  US  58501-3339
(701)355-3000
Sponsor Congressional District: 00
Primary Place of Performance: Bismarck Public School District #1
128 SOO LINE DR
BISMARCK
ND  US  58501-3339
Primary Place of Performance
Congressional District:
00
Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): LUN4DPZAFHJ6
Parent UEI:
NSF Program(s): Advanced Tech Education Prog,
EPSCoR Co-Funding
Primary Program Source: 04000405DB NSF Education & Human Resource
Program Reference Code(s): 1032, 9150, 9178, SMET
Program Element Code(s): 741200, 915000
Award Agency Code: 4900
Fund Agency Code: 4900
Assistance Listing Number(s): 47.076

ABSTRACT

This project is developing curricula and an implementation model that will increase interest and the ability to pursue higher education in the field of engineering. The curricula and model will result in K-12 students applying critical math, science, and technology knowledge while they plan, design, test, revise, and implement engineering activities. The K-12 units of study developed create an articulated pathway for learners to successfully transition to a two-year engineering technician program. The units of study are being assembled into three separate sequences for the elementary, middle and high school levels with a model implementation plan.

Components of the model include K-12 instructor training, curriculum alignment, collaborative interdisciplinary teams, and implementation of the curriculum with students, as well as recruitment of students into post-secondary engineering programs. Valley City State University faculty members facilitate the engineering courses for the 18 participating teachers. The instructional units are being pilot tested, revised, and refined, then implemented in the form of model course curriculum at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

This project has intellectual merit in need, design, and the qualifications of the team. The proposed activities address the challenge of preparing, motivating, and retaining students in the pursuit of engineering related opportunities. North Dakota has adopted the curricular framework recommended by the Center to Advance the Teaching of Technology and Science (CATTS). This project results in a model implementation of the CATTS framework by developing the units of instruction necessary to transfer the framework into a product that can be implemented in the classroom. A clear articulation pathway from elementary to middle school to high school and then to postsecondary engineering programs is identified and supported by the resulting implementation model.

The broader impacts of this project include: (1) an instructor training process that provides content knowledge in technology and engineering while helping teachers implement the content in ways that require critical thinking and deep understanding on the part of students; (2) units of instruction that are standards-based, interdisciplinary, authentic, and engaging for dissemination via a web-based search engine; (3) an increase in the number of students with the foundational knowledge, skills, and the interest to continue into engineering- related postsecondary programs; (4) a support model that connects K-12 students and teachers, postsecondary students and teachers, and professionals in the areas of technology, engineering, science, and math.

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