STEM Outreach Using In-House and Mobile Demonstrations

Abstract

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education is one of the most discussed topics among educators today. The current high-tech world requires more scientists and engineers than ever before. However, interest in STEM subjects appears to be insufficient to meet the future need. Although many strategies have been introduced to motivate students to enter technical fields, additional approaches are needed to continue to attract students to STEM fields. In this paper, a model is described that uses university resources to promote hands-on STEM demonstrations utilizing both in-house and mobile assets. The in-house program uses an annual open house and school field trips to provide “hands-on†science and engineering demonstrations as well as facility tours and STEM videos to encourage a greater focus on STEM disciplines. The Mobile Nanotechnology Education Laboratory, a.k.a. “Nanobusâ€, is an outreach program that visits schools and provides a similar experience to students who can’t attend an open house or take part in a field trip. The considerations for designing these outreach programs and student responses have been analyzed.