SENSE IT — Student created water quality sensors

This paper describes the structure and impact of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) project designed to enrich science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education using educational modules that teach students to construct, program, and test a series of sensors used to monitor water quality. During the five years of the SENSE IT project, over 60 teachers across New York, New Jersey and Washington were provided with sensor construction equipment and professional development, and then implemented the modules in their classrooms with over 2,000 middle and high school students. Project evaluation results indicate that the curriculum is well received by teachers and students, can be integrated into several different subject areas and types of courses, and is effective for a wide range of students.