Integrating Chemical Engineering Into High School Science Classrooms

Abstract

Engineering and Engineering Technology education are essential today and influence almost every aspect of our society. Yet, engineering enrollments and engineering degrees continue to decline nationwide. The Pre-Engineering Instructional and Outreach Program (PrE-IOP) seeks to enlarge the future pool of qualified high-tech workers, including those who have been historically underrepresented (minorities and women). This is being accomplished through two components: 1) The implementation of pre-engineering curriculum in middle and high schools. 2) A comprehensive information campaign about the rewards of engineering and technology professions. A chemical engineering curriculum module has been designed to create connections between the science used in engineering applications in the modern workplace and the high school science classroom. Chemical engineering concepts are selected that support the topics taught in high school science and are the basis for the design of an industrial plant. Also, the materials are meant to fit the instructional classroom needs of high school teachers by addressing the state content standards. The adoption, adaptation and where necessary the development of appropriate pre-engineering curriculum for use in high school science classrooms is being accompanied by sustained, long-term teacher training and support. Summer institutes, with hands-on workshops are designed to familiarize the teachers with the curriculum and the associated pedagogy. Evaluation includes the teacher training, and the implementation of the curriculum materials.