While some might argue that lessons such as this cater towards nonformal education, teachers should not be deterred from integrating these lessons into their formal classrooms. Nonformal lesson plans--including their structures and techniques--can and should be integrated into formal classroom settings. Many nonformal activities are easy to…

The two-stroke engine is an engineering marvel that has been incorporated into many aspects of modern-day life. While many seek to eliminate the two-stroke, others seek to revive this simple and effective power plant, aiming to make it more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient. If successful, improvements could be far-reaching and…

Today's world is shaped by technology and products engineered to serve society's needs and wants. The knowledge and skills required to develop and use these products are changing at an exponential rate (NASE&M, 2017; NRC, 2011). In order to understand and meet future challenges, it is vital that the United States produce technology- and…

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) have developed broad prevalence in the American (U.S.) education system over the last decade. Academic, government, and business experts emphasize that attracting K-12-university students to STEM subject matter is crucial for expanding the innovation capacity of the U.S. and preparing citizens for…

To be technologically and engineering literate, people should be able to "make" or produce quality solutions to engineering design challenges while recognizing and understanding how to avoid hazards in a broad array of situations when properly using tools, machines, and materials (Haynie, 2009; Gunter, 2007; ITEA/ITEEA, 2000/2002/2007).…

Biotechnology is an innovative field that is consistently growing in popularity. It is important that students are taught about this technology at an early age, so they are motivated to join the field, or at least motivated to become informed citizens and consumers (Gonzalez, et al, 2013). An increase in biotechnology knowledge can result in an…

The manipulation of the natural world in the form of plant materials to design, control, and grow desirable agricultural commodities was central to the establishment and advancement of civilization. Modern developments in genetically modified organisms (GMOs or biologically engineered foods) can trace their origins to macro practices developed and…

A serious drawback to electric vehicles [batteries only] is the idle time needed to recharge their batteries. In this challenge, students can develop ideas and concepts for battery change-out at automotive service stations. Such a capability would extend the range of electric vehicles.

Engineers are faced with solving important problems every day and must follow a step-by-step design process to arrive at solutions. Students who are taught an effective design process to apply to engineering projects begin to see problems as an engineer would, consider all ideas, and arrive at the best solution. Using an effective design process…

The purpose of the "Learn Better by Doing" study is to determine the extent to which U.S. public school students are doing hands-on activities in their classrooms. The study asks elementary and secondary (middle and high school) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers to respond to 13 statements concerning…

The purpose of the "Learn Better by Doing Study" was to determine the extent to which U.S. public elementary, middle, and high school students were doing hands-on activities in their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) classrooms. The International Technology and Engineering Educators Association's (ITEEA's)…

The research in this "Learning by Doing" study focuses on a special type of doing that applies to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. In the early stages of humankind, the act of doing was essential for survival and drove the evolution of technology. As was true in ancient times, knowledge and the ability…

This article describes a reverse-engineering project where female students take a part a hair dryer--giving them an opportunity to see the many different kinds of engineering disciplines involved in making a hairdryer and that they work together. Mechanical Engineer, Lyn Gome, describes her experience leading a group of middle school girls through…

At a presentation from the Maley "Spirit of Excellence" Breakfast in Columbus, OH, March 2013, the author shares comments about craftsmanship and leadership as they relate to technology and engineering education. Students need more experience getting their hands dirty troubleshooting, researching and developing, inventing and innovating,…

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) is a term seen almost daily in the news. In 2009, President Obama launched the Educate to Innovate initiative to move American students from the middle to the top of the pack in science and math achievement over the next decade (The White House, n.d.). Learning about the attributes of STEM…