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CSU STEM Center

Announcing 2018 Mechanical Engineering Summer Camps

The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Colorado State University is holding STEM-focused summer camps for middle and high school students on the campus of Colorado State University beginning in June. Mechanical Engineering camps will give students the opportunity to nurture and discover their interest in science, technology, engineering, and computing. Four camp options are available...

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NSF-IUSE team conducting online Q&A sessions

The IUSE solicitation has now been revised as Solicitation 17-590 (replaces 15-585). There are some important changes in 17-590, and in order to help people become better acquainted with the new solicitation, there are online monthly Q&A sessions.

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Toward Meaningful Interdisciplinary Education: High School Teachers’ Views of Mathematics and Science Integration

Abstract: Numerous national initiatives call for interdisciplinary mathematics and science education, but few empirical studies have examined practical considerations for integrated instruction in high school settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold. First, the study sought to describe how and to what extent teachers integrate mathematics and science curricula in their classrooms after...

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Neuroscience Experiment Kits for Students

Muscles Alive!, a neuroscience education outreach program led by researchers from the Neuromuscular Function Lab at Colorado State University teamed up with Backyard Brains to provide affordable neuroscience experiment kits for students of all ages to learn about electrophysiology.  These Human EMG devices were recently showcased at the USA Science and Engineering Festival and on...

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Student Perceptions of Interest, Learning, and Engagement from an Informal Traveling Science Museum

Abstract: Informal Science Education (ISE) programs have been increasing in popularity in recent years. The National Research Council has laid out six strands that ISE programs should try to address, including increasing interest, knowledge, and allowing participants to engage in scientific activities. Past research suggests that informal settings can increase interest in science and may...

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2014-2015 Report

This report provides details about the CSU STEM Center’s activities for the period of October 2013 to September 2015. Since the founding of the Center in 2011, Center staff has been highly productive in achieving the three goals laid out by the original subcommittee. COVER PHOTO: “Blue Flower Sun” by Devin Brown Credit: Devin K....

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Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Abstract: We present a new conceptual model situating research experiences for undergraduates within a context of participatory action research. The purpose of the theoretically grounded Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates (PAREU) model is to act as a second year addition to traditional, lab-based research experiences where undergraduate science students, social science experts, and community...

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Computational thinking: A scoping review of the existing scholarship and research

Abstract: Efforts to advance computer science education at the federal, state, and corporate levels advocate a focus on computational thinking (CT). This emphasis on CT has resulted in a vast amount of literature devoted to the discussion or study of its concepts. This paper presents a study that employs the Cochrane Collaboration Guidelines to systematically...

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Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates

Abstract:  Research experiences for undergraduates (REU) have been shown to be effective in improving undergraduate students’ personal/professional development, ability to synthesize knowledge, improvement in research skills, professional advancement, and career choice. Adding to the literature on REU programs, a new conceptual model situating REU within a context of participatory action research (PAR) is presented and...

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2011-2013 Report

In January of 2011, CSU created a new center to facilitate activities in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education This CSU STEM report provides details about the CSU STEM Center’s activities for the period of January 2011 through October 2013. COVER PHOTO:Tiny Pores in Nanoporous Gold Credit: Erkin Şeker, UC Davis...

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