•  
  •  
 

Abstract

This paper describes the design principles and implementation of a novel approach for a K–12 teacher professional development (PD) program. The approach integrates training focused on development of model eliciting activities (MEAs) within authentic engineering design tasks, collaborative 3D model design and fabrication, and inspirational site visits with access to active engineers to enhance understanding of current issues faced by NASA aerospace researchers. Throughout the training, participants collaborated with program staff including engineering, 3D graphics, education, and MEA specialists to develop research-related MEAs with accompanying 3Dprinted manipulatives. The purpose of this article is to provide a framework for engineering education teacher PD in authentic contexts and examine teachers’ experience of the program, including comfort with and knowledge of integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) instructional strategies. Pre–post survey results show high levels of satisfaction with the workshop and significant gains in integrated STEM understanding and comfort. Potential barriers to curriculum implementation include lack of a 3D printer and time. We provide a list of lessons learned from the PD development and implementation along with recommendations for developing similar PD programs.

Share

COinS
 
 

To view the content in your browser, please download Adobe Reader or, alternately,
you may Download the file to your hard drive.

NOTE: The latest versions of Adobe Reader do not support viewing PDF files within Firefox on Mac OS and if you are using a modern (Intel) Mac, there is no official plugin for viewing PDF files within the browser window.