Work in progress - an innovative science and engineering outreach program

Faculty and students in the Biomimetic MicroElectronic Systems Engineering Research Center (BMES ERC) at the University of Southern California in collaboration with teachers at Murchison Elementary School( MES) in Los Angeles are designing and implementing science and engineering modules that introduce inner city children in grades 3, 4, and 5 to the excitement and utility of engineering. Each module uses the research of the BMES ERC testbeds as focal and reference points to make the science relevant to the young children. Lesson plans are standards-aligned, rich in experience-dependent activities, and age-appropriate. The elementary children learn science by doing science. Student learning is measured by a series of written and practical formative and summative assessments that focus on both content knowledge and analytical reasoning skills. In addition, student attitudes toward science are measured. Essentially all MES students are Latino and come from families with limited formal education. This cohort of students is traditionally underrepresented in the science and engineering professions. Although this is a Work in Progress, preliminary results indicate that significant science achievement is attained by the majority of students but the degree of success is influenced by the English language proficiency of the students.