Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025

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
Assessing changes in attitudes toward engineering and biomechanics resulting from a high school outreach event
Stephanie D Teeter1, Naji S Husseini2, Jacqueline H Cole2
1Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States; Department of STEM Education, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, United States.
Abstract:
National Biomechanics Day aims to introduce students to the emerging field of biomechanics and improve their perception of engineering and engineers. This quantitative study examines participants' attitude changes following one such event. By prioritizing increasing excitement and engagement over teaching content, we anticipate that students' opinions of engineering and biomechanics will improve following the event. Pre- and post-test surveys consisting of Likert scale and semantic differential (SD) items assessed changes in three key areas: self-identity as a scientist and engineer, attitudes toward engineering, and attitudes toward biomechanics. Based on unpaired and paired student responses, we found significant gains in all three areas. Students agreed more strongly with statements regarding whether they saw themselves as scientists and engineers, and they had improved attitudes toward engineering in general and biomechanics specifically. The SD scales also reflected improved opinions of both science and biomechanics. These more positive attitudes could eventually lead to more students recruited to study a variety of engineering disciplines, ultimately addressing the ongoing national shortage of qualified engineers.
More Related Videos
07:32Use of Galvanic Skin Responses, Salivary Biomarkers, and Self-reports to Assess Undergraduate Student Performance During a Laboratory Exam Activity
Published on: February 10, 2016
06:54A Virtual Simulation Experiment of Mechanics: Material Deformation and Failure Based on Scanning Electron Microscopy
Published on: January 20, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Rolling Resistance: Problem Solving
Rolling Resistance
For instance, imagine a hard cylinder rolling on a comparatively soft surface. The cylinder's weight compresses the surface beneath it. As the cylinder moves, the material in front of it slows down due to...
Frictional Forces on Screws
A jack with a square-threaded screw is a mechanical device used to lift heavy loads by applying a force at its handle. When the force is applied, the screw turns, raising the load. The screw can...
Journal Bearings
To better understand the concept of journal bearings, consider a rope winch with dry or...
Mechanical Systems
One-Degree-of-Freedom System
A one-degree-of-freedom system is defined by an independent variable that determines its state and behavior. One example of a one-degree-of-freedom system is a simple harmonic oscillator, such as a...