GEARUP: Teaching engineering, science, and mathematics to junior high and high school students through the use of K'Nex bridges

Abstract

Building Bridges to the Future is a GEAR UP program developed by mathematics, science, engineering, and education faculty from Louisiana Tech University. The primary goal of the project is to expose students from under-performing schools to mathematics, science, engineering, and literacy subject areas. Faculty members from the College of Engineering and Science have teamed up with the College of Education to develop engaging projects aimed at junior high and high school students. These projects utilize K'Nex bridges kits as a means for providing a hands-on learning environment. Building Bridges to the Future includes aspects of team and collaborative learning, as well as literacy in the teaching of math, science, and engineering principles. During the summer of 2007, 41 junior high and 54 high school students, from throughout the state of Louisiana participated in the summer camps. Of this group, the majority of the students were from under-represented groups. Material for the camps centered on building bridges. By designing small-scale K'Nex bridges, the students have to apply the math, science, and engineering they are learning to a real-world problem. During the course of the week, the students continually add to their skill set, and the week culminates with a design competition and a field trip to view bridges in the local area. Experiences indicate that topics which utilize hands-on activities and lead to a design competition will motivate students. Results of the project include documented pre and post test scores, activities developed, as well as student attitudes toward math, science, and engineering. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2008.