Integrating Engineering in the Sciences (IES)

Although there are numerous programs and materials available for integrating engineering into elementary and middle school science content, there are very few designed for high school and none specific for the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Kentucky’s recent adoption of the NGSS has great implications and challenges for teachers as they work to implement the standards and quality level classroom assessment. Through a partnership facilitated by PIMSER that is comprised of high school science teacher teams, science educators, and scientists, the project will work to develop, pilot and revise high school instructional units of study. The units will effectively integrate engineering core ideas to teach Global Climate and several human health-related core ideas. This project will build on the success and lessons learned of the previously funded Preparing All Student for Success (PASS) IEQ Yr9 science proposal. Expertise developed in teacher leaders from past projects such as PASS and Science Leadership Support Network will serve as key members of the school team. This proposal is targeted to work with 24 high school science teachers from six districts. The partnership project consists of full-day academic year cadre meetings, two summer institutes (June 2014 and June 2015), and a webpage/online community. The participant have already been identified and their districts and schools have agreed to release them for project activities.