For Mark Nanny, a professor in the School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science at the University of Oklahoma, it’s all about putting teachers in the driver’s seat.
This summer is no different. Nine K-14 teachers from Oklahoma’s rural communities are participating in OU Research Experiences for Teachers in Engineering and Computer Science, which is funded by the National Science Foundation. The program backs summer research experiences that help nurture long-term relationships between the state’s school districts, community colleges, industry partners and universities.
This year’s program focuses on renewable energy. From studying materials for energy-producing structures like wind turbines to learning about sustainable material innovation that uses 3D printing technology, teachers spend six weeks on OU’s campus embedded in engineering research labs.
Nanny emphasizes the goal is for K-14 teachers to have a “real” research experience.
“We, along with the NSF, want teachers to take what they have learned on the OU campus,” Nanny said. “It's not just learning how to operate lab equipment. It's about the educators' involvement in the entire engineering research process. We hope they take this summer experience to develop an improved curriculum for their students. We want to enhance the way K-14 students learn about engineering and science.”
Eight OU faculty and two faculty members from East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma, serve as program mentors. This year's program ends July 29. For more information about the summer 2023 program, visit www.ruralstemproject.org.
