Integration of sensors into secondary school classrooms

The University of Maine (UM), in collaboration with several Maine middle and high schools, is introducing sensors into secondary curricula to motivate students to follow science and engineering career paths. This program is supported by two National Science Foundation grants: GK-12 Sensors! and RET (Research Experience for Teachers)-Sensors! Secondary school teachers are awarded fellowships for an eight-week summer session, where they become involved in cutting-edge sensor science and engineering. During the summer, GK-12 fellows are paired with RETs who become participating teachers in the GK-12 program. RETs and GK-12 fellows have developed sensor modules and integrated sensors into a wide range of middle and high schools courses. In addition to providing a positive impact on students and teachers, the program has provided community outreach and fellows and teachers have described their interactions in conference presentations and refereed publications. Initial program evaluations indicate that student exposure to sensors encourages them to follow science and engineering career paths. The UM System Chancellor is committed to the program´s sustainability, as evidenced by a bill currently before the State Legislature to create continuing financial support for the program