Published: November 06, 2007 10:06 pm         

Educational pipeline to the future

Rose Explore Engineering program inspires next generation to pursue careers in engineering, the sciences, math

TERRE HAUTE — At an after-school program at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, four middle school boys eagerly explained all of the different parts that went into their newest creation, a vehicle that used a large motorized propeller to make a steady path across the floor in a Moench Hall classroom.

In nearby classrooms, middle school and high school students dashed to catch flying saucer-type devices that were launched from electrical circuits, simple computer graphics were created by students using the Python programming language, and a variety of chemicals were mixed to create slime and quick-frozen ice cream, thanks to liquid nitrogen.

Then, outside at Rose-Hulman’s world-class Oakley Observatory, 20 students and parents used a variety of telescopes to view the moons of Venus, stars and other astronomical objects in the evening sky.

Once again, there were smiles all around.

Rose-Hulman’s Explore Engineering program is among several K-12 pipeline programs across campus that build upon the Institute’s traditional strengths to foster innovations in interactive learning, educational technologies, and encourage youths toward careers in engineering, the sciences and mathematics.

Numerous reports and policy papers — including those from the National Academies, the Council on Competitiveness and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences — have documented the need for more students to become engineers, scientists and mathematicians, and detailed recommendations for change which include significant enhancements in math and science education and investments in research. The National Science Board’s action plan, Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics, calls for a national roadmap to improve K-12 education.

Enrollment in the Explore Engineering program is at an all-time high of 125 students, from sixth through the 11th grades in Indiana and Illinois, according to co-adviser Fred Berry, head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Students are coming from as far away as Indianapolis and Paris, Ill.

“If we are to succeed in closing this emerging gap, all of us must get engaged in the effort to create, encourage and prepare young people to pursue careers in science, math and engineering,” Berry says. “Seeing the creativity and imagination that the kids bring to the activities is inspiring.”

Sriram Mohan, assistant professor of computer science and software engineering, was happy to join faculty colleague Delvin Defoe in organizing the Python programming project for two nights this fall.

“Working with the young students in Explore Engineering reminded me of why I first became interested in computer science. Events like this are great opportunities to share the fun that I have solving problems with others,” stated Mohan.

Liz Ridgway, a junior civil engineering major, is sharing her love for engineering and problem solving with Explore Engineering members. She has organized popsicle bridge building, mouse trap vehicle and egg drop competitions for the school year.

“When I was younger, I found myself asking questions to my parents, who are also engineers, like ‘how much power would you need to light up that building?’ and ‘why doesn’t the sand on an island wash away with the water?’ It was just the way I thought, and my parents never found it odd that I asked these questions. They just figured I was ‘wired’ to be an engineer,” Ridgway said. “I was so lucky that I had programs like Exploring Engineering in my area, which helped nurture my interest in engineering. I believe Exploring Engineering is a great experience for our youth. Not only do they get the chance to do some fun experiments, but they get to expand thoughts on engineering. Sparking our youth’s interest in engineering is so important because engineering has so much room for growth in the future,” she said.

Two evenings each month students participate in a variety of hands-on activities that cover a wide range of disciplines, including electrical, aeronautical, mechanical and civil engineering, along with astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, material science, physics and mathematics. This year started with an Edible Engineering Contest. Each activity is organized by an academic department, student honor society or student engineering/science organization.

The activities are appreciated by students, teachers and parents.

“Explore Engineering gives students a chance to pursue individual interests that may be my areas of weakness (such as electrical circuits or mechanical engineering),” points out Andrea Lau, a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at Crestwood Junior High School. More than 25 members of the school’s new Science Club attend Explore Engineering activities. “By participating in Rose-Hulman’s program, I hope the students can see that science applies in their daily lives, and that it can be fun too.”

One of Lau’s students brought an electrical circuit kit from the Explore Engineering program to school the next day to showcase his “flying saucer” in several classes. He showed that using more batteries caused the motors to spin faster, so the saucers flew higher.

“The programs are organized and conducted smoothly,” Lau added. “Technology is available for the students to use (Python programming, telescopes and chemistry labs) that would be unavailable at our school. It’s great that the staff and students at Rose-Hulman have been willing to donate their time to help students of all abilities explore science topics.”

Rose-Hulman’s other K-12 educational programs include organizing a Youth Science Day, each spring; students serve as judges for area science fair competitions; the Alpha Chi Sigma chemistry society conducts Chemistry On Wheels programs at Wabash Valley schools; the Junior Engineering and Technical Society’s TEAMS academic competition is conducted on campus each February; the Challenge X teams takes its biodiesel vehicle to school visits; and the college offers a job-shadowing Engineering & Science Day each spring for 120 high school students.

More information about the Explore Engineering program is available by calling Dale Long at (812) 877-8418 or visiting the program’s web page at www.rose-hulman.edu/ExploreEngineering.