Abstract:
Attracting K–12 students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is viewed as a critical element for benefiting both the economy and...Show MoreMetadata
Abstract:
Attracting K–12 students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is viewed as a critical element for benefiting both the economy and society. This paper describes an outreach program, conducted in a Brooklyn, NY, USA, public middle school, aimed at educating students in mechatronics, biology, and bioinspiration. The program is designed to foster student interest in STEM subjects, especially engineering-related concepts, by actively demonstrating their application in solving tangible real-world problems. It consists of a series of lectures and practical activities that culminate with a hands-on bioinspiration-based event at the New York Aquarium. Survey results show that students who participated in the program have a better understanding of the relationship between engineering and nature, demonstrate improved knowledge of select STEM topics, and are more interested in pursuing STEM careers.
Published in: IEEE Transactions on Education ( Volume: 58, Issue: 1, February 2015)
Funding Agency:
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Jeffrey Laut (S'11) received the B.Sc. degree from the New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2009, and the M.Sc. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, in 2011, both in mechanical engineering, and is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering.
He has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn midd...Show More
Jeffrey Laut (S'11) received the B.Sc. degree from the New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2009, and the M.Sc. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, in 2011, both in mechanical engineering, and is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering.
He has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn midd...View more
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Tiziana Bartolini received the B.Sc. degree in natural sciences from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, in 2010, and the M.Sc. degree in environmental science from New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2014.
She has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. Her research interests include animal behavior, ethology, and w...Show More
Tiziana Bartolini received the B.Sc. degree in natural sciences from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, in 2010, and the M.Sc. degree in environmental science from New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2014.
She has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. Her research interests include animal behavior, ethology, and w...View more
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Maurizio Porfiri (M'06–SM'12) received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA, in 2000 and 2006, respectively, and the Laurea degree in electrical engineering (with honors) and Ph.D. degree in theoretical and applied mechanics (dual degree program) from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, and the University of Toulon,...Show More
Maurizio Porfiri (M'06–SM'12) received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA, in 2000 and 2006, respectively, and the Laurea degree in electrical engineering (with honors) and Ph.D. degree in theoretical and applied mechanics (dual degree program) from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, and the University of Toulon,...View more
Contents Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Jeffrey Laut (S'11) received the B.Sc. degree from the New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2009, and the M.Sc. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, in 2011, both in mechanical engineering, and is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering.
He has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through the School of Engineering's GK–12 program and through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. His research interests include controls and robotics.
Jeffrey Laut (S'11) received the B.Sc. degree from the New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2009, and the M.Sc. degree from Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA, in 2011, both in mechanical engineering, and is currently pursuing the Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at NYU Polytechnic School of Engineering.
He has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through the School of Engineering's GK–12 program and through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. His research interests include controls and robotics.View more
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Tiziana Bartolini received the B.Sc. degree in natural sciences from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, in 2010, and the M.Sc. degree in environmental science from New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2014.
She has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. Her research interests include animal behavior, ethology, and water resources.
Tiziana Bartolini received the B.Sc. degree in natural sciences from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, in 2010, and the M.Sc. degree in environmental science from New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, in 2014.
She has served as a Teaching Fellow in Brooklyn middle schools through a grant from the Mitsui USA Foundation. Her research interests include animal behavior, ethology, and water resources.View more
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA
Maurizio Porfiri (M'06–SM'12) received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA, in 2000 and 2006, respectively, and the Laurea degree in electrical engineering (with honors) and Ph.D. degree in theoretical and applied mechanics (dual degree program) from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, and the University of Toulon, Toulon, France, in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
From 2005 to 2006, he held a postdoctoral position with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Virginia Tech. He has been a member of the faculty of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, since 2006, where he is currently an Associate Professor. He is the author of more than 150 journal publications. He is engaged in conducting and supervising research on dynamical systems theory, multiphysics modeling, and underwater robotics.
Dr. Porfiri is a recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2008. He was included in the “Brilliant 10” list of Popular Science in 2010, and his research was featured in all of the major media outlets. Other significant recognitions include invitations to Frontiers of Engineering Symposia organized by National Academy of Engineering in 2011 and 2014, the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award by the College of Engineering of Virginia Tech in 2012, the ASME Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award in 2013, and the ASME DSCD Young Investigator Award in 2013.
Maurizio Porfiri (M'06–SM'12) received the M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA, USA, in 2000 and 2006, respectively, and the Laurea degree in electrical engineering (with honors) and Ph.D. degree in theoretical and applied mechanics (dual degree program) from Sapienza University, Rome, Italy, and the University of Toulon, Toulon, France, in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
From 2005 to 2006, he held a postdoctoral position with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Virginia Tech. He has been a member of the faculty of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, New York University (NYU) Polytechnic School of Engineering, Brooklyn, NY, USA, since 2006, where he is currently an Associate Professor. He is the author of more than 150 journal publications. He is engaged in conducting and supervising research on dynamical systems theory, multiphysics modeling, and underwater robotics.
Dr. Porfiri is a recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER Award in 2008. He was included in the “Brilliant 10” list of Popular Science in 2010, and his research was featured in all of the major media outlets. Other significant recognitions include invitations to Frontiers of Engineering Symposia organized by National Academy of Engineering in 2011 and 2014, the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award by the College of Engineering of Virginia Tech in 2012, the ASME Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award in 2013, and the ASME DSCD Young Investigator Award in 2013.View more
