Early Introduction of STEM Through Sustainable Engineering

Abstract

To educate the next generation of scientists and engineers, it is important to cultivate critical thinking and problem-solving skills within the context of sustainability. Eva the Engineer, an elective course developed by the University of Wisconsin–Madison engineering students, uses sustainability-focused civil engineering lessons to (1) introduce sustainable engineering practices at the middle school level and (2) encourage young women to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Eva the Engineer students explore the environmental, social, and economic impacts of the infrastructure around them and practice sustainable engineering decision-making with hands-on activities. The primary topics of discussion are infrastructure design, water resources, and waste management. As civil engineering is a central theme of the course, the primary examples of sustainable engineering involve the energy and water reductions using recycled materials in construction applications. For example, students make concrete stepping-stones with recycled materials and calculate energy, water, and greenhouse gas emission savings achieved when recycled materials replace virgin aggregate in concrete. Later, a field trip to a concrete production facility, a landfill, a recycling facility, and a wastewater treatment facility demonstrate the practical implications of construction and waste generation. By the end of the program, students exhibit an understanding of contemporary environmental challenges, basic engineering principles, and the benefits of recycled materials in engineering applications. Program survey results also illustrate a ubiquitous increase in self-confidence in STEM capabilities among students. Engaging the next generation of engineers and scientists in a discussion of present issues is proving to be beneficial for all involved.