Engineering connections: Teaching engineering mechanics to K-12 teachers

Abstract

This paper describes an innovative course designed for K-12 educators to integrate engineering principles in mathematics and science curricula. "Engineering Connections" was first offered as an experimental summer workshop for practicing teachers and will continue as a semester course for preservice teachers in spring, 2000. The course is constructed as a study of three modules: force, levers, and gears; principles of bridge design; and electricity. Students experience hands-on, inquiry-based instruction through simple investigations and apply engineering concepts in a four-week internship. This paper presents the course objectives and content, the teaching and learning model, and the student-conducted experiments.