OPERATION INNOVATION: ENRICHING K-8 STEM EDUCATION THROUGH DIGITAL FABRICATION
Abstract
Operation Innovation: Enriching K-8 STEM education through digital fabrication addresses the problem of the limited capacity of Alaska’s public schools to develop an inclusive Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education ecosystem, resulting in poor STEM proficiency outcomes in many of Alaska’s schools and school districts, particularly among Alaska Native students, who are persistently under-represented in STEM. To improve the capacity of Alaska’s education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students and teachers, the project will develop and test culturally- based instructional units aligned with National Science Standards, provide training and professional development for K-8 teachers, support an on-line community of practice, and install digital fabrication equipment in Alaska schools in 3 communities in 3 different school districts. To generate introductory awareness in STEM subjects and supplement understanding of foundational concepts in STEM, the project will demonstrate use of digital fabrication equipment in participating schools. To increase the number of K-8 students in Alaska who use 21st century technology, the program will deliver culturally based digital fabrication activities to K-8 students in participating schools. To build STEM skills and literacy in an evidence-based and innovative manner among Alaska students, the program will increase the frequency at which students served by the program engage in STEM practices and use STEM literacy skills. The project’s technical approach is based on a rationale that includes education strategies field-tested by the applicant and high quality independent educational research. It combines use of digital fabrication technology (the Fab Lab) with culturally-based instruction and project-based learning. The anticipated outcomes of the effort include the improved quality of resources and abilities associated with STEM education in Alaska, improved engagement of an underserved population in STEM, and increased exposure of an underserved population to STEM opportunities. Over 3 years the program will develop 12 new instructional modules, train 12 teachers, serve 6 schools, generate 260 cumulative student enrollments, and achieve a 10% increase in STEM engagement and STEM literacy among participating students. The project will impact DOD capabilities by adding a culturally-informed digital fabrication program serving elementary and middle school students to the existing suite of DOD STEM offerings, increasing the number of available early intervention programs, and diversifying the range of educational strategies represented by DOD STEM programs. With its emphasis on reaching under-served and under-represented populations, the project will contribute significantly to realization of DOD STEM Goal 4 (Promote).
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 09, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00342010038
Entities
People
- Renee Fredericks
Organizations
- Cook Inlet Tribal Council
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- Washington Headquarters Services