Department of Engineering

 
Department of Mathematics

Department of Psychology

Department of Exercise and Sport Science 

Project Newsletter

Issue 3

March 2007

The Biomechanics and Robotics team met with public school representatives and teachers from participating school systems at the end of January (1/26/07). School systems were well represented with various administrators, math teachers, science teachers, and guidance counselors attending. The outline of the program and overall objectives of the grant were discussed as well as some of the ideas for incorporating “hands-on” learning into existing curriculum. Input from the meeting provided additional ideas/support for the upcoming summer, and the ITEST grant was off and running!

The Learning Resource Center (LRC) sponsored a conference in Washington, DC February 6-8. Each ITEST grant throughout the country was asked to send two members of their teams to participate. This was an exciting and informative event that allowed those individuals at different stages of the grant process to meet and share information. Needless to say, this was great for the new kids on the block! A lot of new ideas were brought back as well as potential resources for later use. As part of this conference, participants were also encouraged to meet with their states’ representatives. We were fortunate to be able to meet with aides from the offices of Senator Dole and Representatives Butterfield and Jones. While unable to schedule an appointment, we were able to leave an information packet with Senator Burr regarding our grant. ECU has the distinction of having two NSF ITEST grants, and we were able to coordinate our efforts at the Capital with our other ITEST colleagues. Even though it was a balmy 6 degrees outside, we received many positive comments about our grant and the commitment to continue to support efforts through NSF to encourage student interest in science, technology, engineering and math.

February saw major impetus in developing the summer curriculum for both the ITAT and ITES. With lots of collaboration and input, the beginning of incorporating biomechanics and robotics into the public school curriculum was put in motion. A lesson plan format was developed to aid in consistency across counties. Paperwork has also begun that would allow participating teachers to receive CEU credits for their participation.

Through close collaboration with Margaret Turner and Tancy Vandercamp of the Social Science Research Center at Old Dominion University, the development of assessment instruments appropriate for the grant was put in motion. An initial teacher survey was developed and administered to participants at January 26th meeting. In addition, a parental survey was developed for the upcoming workshops this spring.

Mark Lesperance of Building Hope Community Center in cooperation with the participating schools has scheduled the spring parent workshops. The workshops are scheduled to begin mid-March and go through the first of April. The schedule is as follows: