Incorporating scientific analysis and problem-solving skills into a physics and engineering summer course

Abstract

The Young Engineering and Science Scholars (YESS) three-week summer program offered by the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) recruits and inspires talented high school students towards engineering and science career paths. The program is geared towards highachieving, but traditionally underrepresented minority students in science and engineering who have demonstrated excellent academic records in math and science. This paper describes the science and engineering course offered by the program including its objectives, teaching philosophies, and its mentoring process for design and research projects. Assessment is performed using the Force Concept Inventory (FCI) and shows excellent student gains when compared with other college-level physics courses. Student surveys and feedback on the program, the course, and general science and engineering attitudes are also discussed, and recommendations for future courses are provided. © American Society for Engineering Education, 2009.