Foundations and effectiveness of an after-school engineering programfor middle school students

Abstract

Calls for improving Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in the United States are well-known and well-publicized. This attention has led to efforts to introduce engineering in the K-12 grades. While K-12 schools are just beginning to offer courses in engineering, informal, after-school programs that focus on engineering have been available for a number of years. However, the effects of these after-school programs are not as easily documented and are therefore not well-studied. In this paper, we describe a novel after-school engineering program targeted for middle school grades. The after-school program builds on our many years of experience in conducting engineering-based professional development for K-12 teachers. The program is founded on a three-pronged approach of: 1) engaging students in inquiry-based learning opportunities that feature motivation of engineering concepts with readily-available technology examples, and team-based design projects with the National Academy of Engineering 21st Century Grand Challenges themes; 2) professional development and support for teachers to guide students in meaningful engineering design activities; and 3) informing parents and caregivers of the full range of STEM college and career pathway options so they can guide their students towards STEM-related educational choices. We have evaluated our after-school program using student surveys administered in the fall and spring semesters (e.g., before and after the programs), and conducting more in-depth focus groups. The findings from the initial evaluation indicate that students in the target grades throughout the school district exhibited an increasingly positive attitude toward engineering and science-related careers. Likewise, teachers who participated in the program noted positive changes in themselves that they translated into strategies for teaching in their classrooms. © 2012 American Society for Engineering Education.