Nanotechnology STEM Program via Research Experience for High School Teachers

Abstract

In this work, we report the outcomes from the IUPUI STEM outreach program “STEMCorp” that inspires high school students to pursue STEM majors. The STEMCorp program was modeled after the Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Initiative (MURI) at IUPUI. MURI research program introduces undergraduate students from at least two different departments with mentors from different disciplines to address research issues that may compose both engineering and sciences. The STEMCorp program brings undergraduate students to work with faculty and high school teachers to create a positive impact in enriching the high school students by introducing them to engineering and science with emphasis on nanotechnology for future careers. The program describes the collaborative activities between faculty, undergraduate students and high school STEM teachers in the creation of project-based, student-centered learning modules in the field of nanotechnology. The paper details the activities of the STEMCorp participants including their experiences in developing working partnerships and creating and implementing learning modules in the designated high school courses. The success of the program is assessed by the measurable outcomes of high school students' research projects. Specifically, two different learning modules are presented, including the processes used in the development of these modules and their outcomes. The collaborative research discussions between the faculty, undergraduate students, and high school teachers are detailed, covering research methodologies, hypothesis, and expected outcomes.