Alternating learning methods to construct K-12 STEM outreach: Invention and innovation workshop case study

摘要

Conducting STEM outreach workshops in K-12 classrooms has been found to be an effective method to inspire young minds in these critical areas. This paper looks to see how utilizing different teaching methods can be used to optimize STEM outreach workshops. This is accomplished by presenting findings based on a workshop that is actively being conducted for STEM outreach with a focus on inventing and innovating. The workshop content and key learning objectives will be outlined. Furthermore this paper will discuss the different teaching methods utilized throughout the workshop. The paper will also present survey results from participants based on key learning objectives. Lastly best practices will be presented to aid in future workshop development and optimization. Overall, the purpose of this paper is to present a detailed outline of the workshop for others to utilize and demonstrate how using alternate teaching methods can optimize the impact on students.