The UB-Discovery STEM on Wheels Project (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Mathematics)
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Authors
DeJarnette, Nancy K.
Deeb, Ruba S.
Pallis, Jani M.
Paslov, Linda S.
Patel, Sarosh
Demers, Julie
Hempowicz, Christine
Issue Date
2019-03-29
Type
Other
Language
en_US
Keywords
Bridgeport Public Schools , Education , Science technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) , University of Bridgeport
Alternative Title
Abstract
Bridgeport Public Schools (BPS) in Connecticut serve 21,260 students from 39 minority groups in low performing schools. BPS have limited funds for curriculum improvements and resources necessary to address STEM achievement gaps. Thus, the University of Bridgeport (UB) has partnered with the Discovery Museum and Planetarium (DMP) to purchase and retrofit a bus that will bring STEM education and precious resources to high-needs K-12 schools in the community that are lagging behind. A city bus is transformed into a mobile classroom and laboratory and UB-DMP offer the required technical, logistical, and science literacy and pedagogy expertise that is essential in reaching targeted students. UB-DMP collectively brings space and astronomy themes (rocketry, satellites, mission control, high altitude ballooning, remote sensing, citizen science) as well as robotics, 3D printing, virtual reality, and renewable energy programming to students of all ages. In sum, STEM on Wheels: 1) offers STEM experiences to schools lacking resources, 2) provides K-12 students with hands-on, STEM-focused skills aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), and 3) trains UB engineering, science, and math students in effective teaching practices that communicate the excitement of STEM activities. This project is sponsored in part by the CHEFA Client Grant Program, The Greater Bridgeport Transit Authority, 21 Century Fox and NASA CT Space Grant Consortium.