In order to compete in the global economy, the United States needs to adequately train an increasing number of students in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. Recent studies show that the U.S. is lagging behind other countries in international science and mathematics assessments, and that the motivation of students to enter into and stay in the STEM fields of study is low. Businesses and government alike are pushing for increased instruction in science and math for K-12 students as a means for producing larger numbers of STEM ready students. New approaches to adding more engineering instruction into the curriculum are being applied but current research into the effectiveness of such approaches is mixed. This study sought to gauge the effectiveness that integrating engineering design projects into the traditional physical science classroom has on students understanding of the applied scientific concepts as opposed to traditional instruction. The results indicate that integration of engineering design projects has a positive effect on student's science concept knowledge as well as their motivation in the classroom.
Read
