ERIC Number: EJ906150
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2009
Pages: 13
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1071-6084
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Proposed Model for a Streamlined, Cohesive, and Optimized K-12 STEM Curriculum with a Focus on Engineering
Locke, Edward
Journal of Technology Studies, v35 n2 p23-35 Win 2009
This article presents a proposed model for a clear description of K-12 age-possible engineering knowledge content, in terms of the selection of analytic principles and predictive skills for various grades, based on the mastery of mathematics and science pre-requisites, as mandated by national or state performance standards; and a streamlined, cohesive, and optimized K-12 engineering curriculum, in terms of a continuous educational process that starts at kindergarten and/or elementary schools, intensifies at middle schools, differentiates at high schools and streamlines into four-year universities through two-year community colleges, integrating solid mastery of particular analytic skills and generic engineering design processes. This article is based upon a "Vision Paper" that was presented at the International Technology Education Association's 71st Annual Conference held in Louisville, Kentucky under the sponsorship of Dr. John Mativo, from the University of Georgia. It is hoped that many ideas explored in this article could provide answers to the problems in the current practice of K-12 engineering education, as discussed in the authoritative report issued several months later, on September 8, 2009, by the Committee on K-12 Engineering Education established by the National Academy of Engineering and the National Research Council, titled "Engineering in K-12 Education: Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects," which included the absence of cohesive K-12 engineering curriculum and the lack of well-developed standards. (Contains 4 figures and 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Engineering Education, Middle Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Engineering, Technology Education, STEM Education, Curriculum Design, Science Curriculum, Academic Standards, National Standards, State Standards, Mastery Learning, Scientific Principles, Prediction, Critical Thinking, Thinking Skills, Career Choice, Career Planning
Epsilon Pi Tau. International Office, Technology Building, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403-0296. Tel: 419-372-2425; Fax: 419-372-9502; e-mail: ept@bgsu.edu; Web site: http://eptglobal.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Elementary Education; Elementary Secondary Education; High Schools; Middle Schools; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A