Helping Educate Adolescents Through Water and Viable Energy Systems

University of Arizona Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering (ChEE) has been awarded a five year grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to bring innovative research in water and energy resources to regional K-12 classrooms. Graduate students (Fellows) in the engineering sciences are paired with junior high and high school science, math, and engineering teachers to 'co-teach' topics that enhance student understanding of STEM (Science Technology Engineering & Math) concepts. Using project modules, Fellows will have the opportunity to adapt their own research concepts for 6th-12th grade classroom use and serve as a resource to teachers in the development of curriculum content.

The average time commitment for the Fellows is 10-15 hours weekly in the classroom. In the Spring preceding their fellowships, graduate students will prepare for their GK-12 activities through a class that will cover teaching skills and pedagogical issues. Fellows will also have an opportunity to share their experiences and exchange ideas with one another during bi-monthly meetings in the Fall semester. This meeting time is set during the Summer Workshop. All GK-12 Fellows will make a final presentation highlighting their experience as well as discuss Fellowship opportunities with other engineering graduate students.

The time commitment for co-teachers will vary weekly and entails approximately 2-5 hours weekly during the academic year. Teachers are encouraged to create routine planning time with the Fellow and are required to attend the week-long all-day Summer Workshop (2013 date TBA). For those teaching high school engineering, the U of A sponsors an additional two-week (full-day schedule) 'Engineering 102' training program.

Benefits to Graduate Students:

• increase understanding of personal research by improved ability to communicate process and outcomes to a diverse audience.
• increase awareness of how research could benefit society in general in the critical topics of water and energy.
• understand and implement different teaching strategies in the classroom.
• gain an understanding of educational standards, educational theory, and K-12 educational issues.
• form collaborations among engineers, faculty, K-12 educators, and industry.

Benefits to Teachers:

• increase understanding of engineering research.
• increase content knowledge in math, science, engineering, and technology.
• increase awareness of current strategies for engaging all children.
• build lasting relationships with engineers, faculty, other educators, and local industry.
• develop as a leader in STEM instruction at high school level.

Apply to GK-12