Revolutionizing Engineering for P-12 Schools (REPS)

• Published in: 2021 IEEE Integrated STEM Education Conference (ISEC) pp. 263 - 267
• Main Authors: Huffman, Tanner J., Strimel, Greg J., Parry, Elizabeth, Zarske, Malinda, Turner, Rebecca
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: IEEE 13.03.2021
• Subjects: Collaboration; Conferences; Design methodology; Design-based Implementation Research; Engineering education; Investment; Organizations; P-12
• DOI: 10.1109/ISEC52395.2021.9764057

Leveraging the investment in previous work, The College of New Jersey, Purdue University, and the American Society for Engineering Education has launched the three-year collaborative research Revolutionizing Engineering for P-12 Schools project. The REPS project investigates how to best implement engineering learning as defined by the Framework for P12 Engineering Learning. As put forth in the framework, "associated grade-band specific implementation guides will leverage the content of this report to describe and propose appropriate engineering learning across the grades for all children to engage in rigorous and authentic learning experiences to think, act, and learn like an engineer". The Framework set the conceptual organization for P-12 engineering learning and provided preliminary Engineering Literacy Expectations and Engineering Performance Matrices for high school learners. Leveraging this roadmap provided in the Framework, REPS completes the vision by adding the Preschool (P)-Grade 8 components. The REPS project engages the broader P-12 engineering education community in articulating expectations for engineering learning for early learning, elementary, and middle school students to serve as the connecting elements necessary for authentic engineering learning efforts across the grades. The REPS project brings to bear the combined expertise of educators, professional engineers, and researchers in the field of engineering education to refine and complete a consensus on the nature of engineering literacy development for all students from preschool through high school.