Promoting STEM to Young Students by Renewable Energy Applications

Abstract

The Math-Science-Engineering Technology in Iowa on Applied Renewable Energy Areas (MSETI - AREA) projects are aimed at providing area school teachers with an applied mathematics and science curriculum package based on photovoltaic (PV) power, wind power, human power and hydrogen fuel-cell fundamentals. The MSETI –AREA project has established a partnership between the University of Northern Iowa (UNI) and selected area high schools and middle schools for the improvement of students’ mathematical and scientific skill sets. Through this project, students improve their technological literacy by creating an environment where they understand and figure out relationships among basic mathematics, science, and engineering technology that are applied to renewable energy fields. In order to mentor and manage the learning environment effectively, students are given a professional skill set for successfully applying mathematics and science to technical projects with diverse teams throughout their careers. The use of a number of renewable energy and energy efficiency based hands-on projects also is used promote mathematics and science for middle school teachers and students.