Joan Chadde
Michigan Technological University

Bringing Engineering to Rural, Low Income & Native American Elementary Students & Families in the U.P.

March 2008

The $9552 grant from the Michigan Space Grant Consortium will:

• Introduce a diverse population of elementary students in the Upper Peninsula to engineering and STEM careers;
• Enhance the ability of elementary teachers to engage students in learning the engineering design process and real-world engineering applications through training in the Engineering is Elementary (EiE) curriculum,
• Provide a complete set of EiE curricula to the three math/science centers who will host the teacher workshops in Sault Ste. Marie, Bergland, and Escanaba where there are high numbers of Native American students.
• Conduct three Family Engineering night programs for elementary students and families in Hannahville, Sault Ste Marie, and L’Anse where there are significant numbers of Native Americans. Family engineering nights are designed to introduce kids and parents to fun engineering activities and future career opportunities. Engineering is the foundation for aerospace and space exploration, and we need to develop the pipeline as early as possible---in elementary school!