Initiatives promote STEM learning in Tuscarawas County

  • Patricia Faulhaber
  • March 10, 2013
  • 335
                        
Summary: For the past several years getting elementary, high school and college students interested and excited about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning has been a top priority in many parts of the country. There are several successful STEM related engineering and technology initiatives taking shape right here in Tuscarawas County. Main Article: A critical report issued by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) in 2008 found that the United States was not preparing “a sufficient number of students, teachers, and practitioners in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).” The CRS reported that a large majority of secondary schools failed to reach proficiency in math and science. It also reported that many teachers were lacking in “adequate subject matter.” Since then schools across the U.S. have been finding ways to update their teacher and student STEM skills. High school students in Tuscarawas County are getting exited and involved in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) learning due in part to three initiatives started through a three-way partnership between business and industry, area high schools and Kent State University Tuscarawas. Dr. Kamal Bichara director of engineering at Kent State University Tuscarawas presented those attending The East Central Ohio Educational Service Center (ECOESC) Integrating Curriculum and Technology Conference on March 8 for area K12 teachers and administrators with the latest facts about STEM learning in the area. Bichara talked with the Bargain Hunter about the progress being made in the three initiatives, Cyber Clubs, Project Lead the Way and Dual Enrollment courses. “We started to promote STEM education to area schools beginning in 2008,” Bichara said. “The Cyber Clubs involve 12 schools. Members include teachers, principals and superintendents. We meet once a month to discuss plans for activities we can do jointly to get students in the area excited about engineering and technology,” he said. The Cyber Clubs have coordinated activities inside and outside of the classroom including trips to MIT, Pittsburg and New Orleans among others. The participating schools include Claymont, Tusky Valley, Sandy Valley, Dover, Garaway, Newcomerstown, Conotton Valley, Coshocton, Carrollton, Indian Valley, New Philadelphia and Stasburg. With the Dual Enrollment program, Bichara said the university is working with area high schools to offer the opportunity for kids to sign up for college courses that would expose them to engineering. “Our faculty goes out to the schools to teach the courses,” Bichara said. Dual Enrollment labs are set up in each of the participating schools with 15 to 20 computers equipped to run software used in college courses. Courses are selected by the Cyber Club council each year. As evidence of the program’s success, Bichara said the university has seen enrollment in its engineering and technology classes from students participating in the Dual Enrollment program. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) is a county-wide initiative started in partnership with Steve Stockey, vice president of Allied Machine and Engineering Corp. in Dover, OH. “Project Lead the Way is a consortium of area companies that contribute financially to sustain the program in six local schools,” Bichara said. The program uses a national curriculum designed by professional engineering societies. It covers all four years of high school. Bichara said there are 2,000 students from the six schools enrolled in the program which is an advanced placement engineering program. Students can take one engineering class per year to earn college credits for the courses. Students with grades higher than a B and who get 70 percent on the national exam qualify for college credits. In addition to promoting STEM learning throughout the county, the initiatives have formed helpful and long lasting partnerships with the mission of helping area students achieve success. “We have demonstrated a successful partnership between business, industry, primary schools and the university and each is working to make these programs successful,” Bichara said. For more information about these initiatives, contact Dr. Kamal Bichara, 330-339-3391.


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