SCITEC:
Science Curricula Integrating Technology and Engineering Connections
A Math and Science Partnership Grant Proposal to the Maine Department of Education
Abstract
The need to increase United States student interest in science and engineering has been acknowledged at both the state and national level in recent years. The Science Curricula Integrating Technology and Engineering Connections (SCITEC) program responds to this need by increasing knowledge, skills and interest in the areas of science, engineering and technological design for high school students. SCITEC brings together the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance, the National Center for Technology Literacy at the Boston Museum of Science, the University of Maine‘s College of Education and Human Resources and College of Engineering in Orono, the Capital Area Technical Center and six high schools in its serving region: Cony HS, Erskine Academy, Gardiner Area HS, Hall-Dale HS, Maranacook HS, and Monmouth Academy.
The SCITEC program targets three goals related to the proposed revised Maine’s Learning Results for Science and Technology, standards B2, C2 and C3:
Increased Content Knowledge
Teachers will delve into the content of the targeted science and technology standards and develop their knowledge about important connections between science and engineering.
Curriculum Integration
Partner schools will review available curricula and activities to integrate the targeted science and technology standards into local science curricula and goals.
Student Opportunities
SCITEC will increase opportunities for students to engage in design projects and learn about educational and career opportunities in engineering and technological design.
SCITEC will hold two summer institutes, provide year-long professional development, develop Professional Learning Communities at the school and project level, and foster connections between engineers and teachers.
