Physics 360 Technical Proposal
Abstract
The DoN faces key gaps in the US STEM talent pool which need to be addressed. It requires building and sustaining a world-leading S&E workforce. This project will build on a current ONR project “Improving the STEM Pipeline” (ONR- N00014-15-1-2437) utilizing the laboratory-based “Essential Physics” program developed by Ergopedia and partnered with the East Bay Educational Collaborative of Rhode Island (EBEC.). This project will help complete the overall STEM preparation curriculum experience of high school students improving the STEM Pipeline. It will include inclusion and alignment of the newly developed Jason Learning ONR, “World of Waves”, a Navy- themed digital Physics and Engineering curriculum, with the Essential Physics curriculum. Further, it will add a new STEM focused high school chemistry program initially created by the same principal authors as the Essential Physics program, which exceeds the new Next Generation Science Standards. This new chemistry program will provide each participating class new e-Books, equipment, curriculum, and interactive probe ware technology. Most importantly it will provide extensive teacher support/training and work with these teachers to develop complete alignment with the “World of Waves.” It will furnish to all participating high schools state of the art remote chemical probe ware sensor devices, data collection, and analysis capabilities. It is highlighted by an innovative interactive e-Book, as was Essential Physics, that provides state of the art visualizations and experimental visualizations and simulations for students as well as numerous other features STEM instruction critically needs. Engineering applications inquiry experiences utilizing computer based technologies, and materials sciences are critically connected to the chemistry content. This project also will expand the opportunities for engagement and replication by other schools regionally and nationally. To achieve this it will bring a partnership collaboration with the East Bay Educational Collaborative (EBEC), JASON Learning (JASON) and Aecern, an edutech organization that promotes authentic science learning in schools, creates connections between research institutions and the K-12 education community. They have worked for 3 years with JASON Learning to develop various STEM curricula and learning experiences, including “World of Waves”. Aecern will handle facilitation and design of our evaluative model and assist with project implementation. The strength of this project is that the program implemented will make a further needed permanent change in the high school science curriculum, STEM instructional quality, and most importantly engagement in STEM for all participating students. This also responds to an overriding need expressed in a number of surveys by previous ONR participating high schools in the project “Improving the STEM Pipeline.” That proposal, which has been successfully completed, provided “Essential Physics” to 36 high schools in Navy/military component communities, defense contractor communities, and communities that have large traditionally underrepresented student groups (minorities and females) in STEM career pursuits. This new proposal, with confirmed support by the Southeastern New England Defense Industry Alliance (SENEDIA), is based on the feedback of the teachers and administrators in the 36 schools participating for the need to continue improvement of the STEM Pipeline through curriculum and teacher professional development.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 27, 2018
- Source ID
- N000141812684
Entities
People
- Donna Ottaviano
Organizations
- East Bay Educational Collaborative
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy