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Bridging the Technology Divide in the COVID-19 Era: Using Virtual Outreach to Expose Middle and High School Students to Imaging Technology
Published on: September 28, 2022
Hands-on curriculum teaches biomedical engineering concepts to home-schooled students
Ann M Sagstetter1, Amit J Nimunkar, Willis J Tompkins
1Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA. sagstetter@wisc.edu
Summary
This study developed a hands-on STEM curriculum to boost interest in engineering for homeschooled students. The interdisciplinary approach proved effective in making engineering education accessible and engaging for K-12 learners.
Area of Science:
- STEM Education
- Curriculum Development
- Engineering Outreach
Background:
- University outreach aims to increase K-12 interest in engineering.
- Homeschooled students show strong academic potential but lack STEM resources.
- Interdisciplinary teaching methods are hindered by resource limitations for homeschoolers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a supplementary STEM curriculum for homeschooled students.
- To address the resource gap in science, math, and engineering for this demographic.
- To foster university-student relations and enhance engineering recruitment.
Main Methods:
- A hands-on, STEM-based curriculum was created.
- The curriculum was designed as a supplement to existing homeschooling programs.
- Pre- and post-workshop surveys were used to assess impact.
Main Results:
- The developed curriculum effectively supplements homeschooling.
- Integrating disciplines proved to be a student-friendly engineering learning method.
- The approach demonstrated potential for increasing engineering recruitment.
Conclusions:
- Hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM curricula can effectively engage K-12 homeschoolers.
- This method addresses resource limitations and stimulates interest in engineering.
- The initiative supports university-student relations and future engineering talent pipelines.
