Focus on STEM Education• Sierra College CACT is

focused on STEM education & product development

• Need a supply of future STEM workers

• Students are not prepared for college-level STEM

What does it take to interest

middle and high school students

in STEM?(Science, Technology, Engineering & Math)

The thrill of making something • Awakens hidden talents• Makes learning relevant• Inspires education & career plans

Build a catapult project

• Create catapult curriculum & lab

• Present & test in schools

• Outcomes• Lessons learned• What’s next

Project goalsProvide experience to:• Make abstract lessons

relevant for students• Attract girls to STEM• Engage educators• Tie to State Standards• Integrate academic and

technical education

Tech-Explorer instructional concepts

• Hands-on, project-based learning• “Just-in-time” not “Just-in-case”• Team problem solving• Equipment & methods used in industry

Mobile lab

•Equipment •Raw materials •Back-up parts•Equipment modified for safety•Storage facility•Vehicle

Secure school commitment• Present concept at

school staff meetings• Meet with teachers

and administrators• Identify space to

build a catapult

Work with the teacher

• Pre-event class meeting: Instructions & safety Teams Photo release Survey

• Three hours for project & competition• Post-event survey & career discussion

Assure student success• Instructional video• Written instructions• 1:6 ratio of trainers to

students• Use college students as

trainers• Train student team leader

who guides team

Plan for marketing opportunities• Prepare main messages• Identify key audiences• Invite:

School BoardCounselors, administrators, and teachers Teachers from other schools

• Notify press & send article to school paper

• Student photo release

Competition motivates students• Competition & prizes:

Most accurate boy & girl First completed catapult Most helpful student

• Encourage experiments to improve performance

Tech-Explorer outcomes• Engage students & staff• Integrate CTE & academics to

promote learning & retention

Tech-Explorer impact• 23 Schools• 840 Students• 25 teachers and

CACT Directors trained

Post-event surveyAutomated Manufacturing includes the fields of design, fabrication engineering, technology and manufacturing. Did today’s project create an interest in any of these areas? 71% Yes Would you consider taking a class in Automated Manufacturing Technology? 68% Yes Would you consider a career in Automated Manufacturing Technology? 55% Yes

Tech-Explorer outcomesStudents experience:• Project based learning • Power & hand tools• Industry methods• Following instructions• Leadership & team work• Career Exploration

Tech-Explorer Outcomes - Publicity

Lessons learnedHands-on projects work in many settings:•One room school•Suburban/Urban•Alternative•Court ordered•Middle School•High School•College

Lessons learned• Start with educators

who “get it”• Catalyst for new

secondary and college curriculum + partners

• Applications for industry training

• Integrated curriculum – harder than it sounds

Next steps• Advanced projects –

electric, solar & electronic

• “Institutionalize” project at schools

• Pre and post event curriculum modules

• Funding to catapult it forward

• Documents CD• Movie DVD• Tech-Explorer.com• Sierra College

916-781-6245

Resources