Creating Partnerships Between Amateur Rocketry & Higher Education

1. Creating Partnerships Between Amateur Rocketry& Higher Education John R. Chandler, Ph.D. Director, Center for Engineering Outreach Keynote Address, Tripoli Rocketry Association LDRS Banquet July 1, 2006

2. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY Making the case for K-12 engineering outreach

3. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • The United States has a shortage of science, math and engineering professionals • More than half of all U.S. scientists and engineers are approaching retirement age* • Nation-wide, engineering enrollment and retention is low • Over 50% of U.S. engineering doctorates are awarded to international students** * "Science and Engineering Indicators 2004," Retirements and Demographic Shifts, http://www.nsf/gov/statistics/seind04/cO/cOs1htm ** National Science Board, "Science and Engineering Indicators, 2004," Vol. 2, Appendix table 2-34.

4. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • Foreign countries continue to outpace the U.S. • Total U.S. engineering graduates in 2005 – 70,000 • In 2005, China and India graduated 4 times as many engineers U.S. India China * Fortune Magazine, July 25, 2005, "Can America Compete?" p. 72.

5. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • Decline of U.S. scientists and engineers has global implications • By 2010, more than 90% of all scientists and engineers will live in Asia* • Increased homeland security requirements make reliance on foreign talent less feasible * Prediction by Richard Smalley, Professor of Chemistry, Physics, and Anatomy, Rice University, given to the President’s Council of Economic Advisors on Science and Technology, March 3, 2003.

6. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • The problem extends to K-12 education • U.S. fourth graders score well in international competition, but fall to the bottom of the pack by grade 12 • At grade 8, the average science score in 2005 showed no significant change compared to results in 1996 and 2000. • At grade 12, the average science score was lower than in 1996, and showed no significant change from 2000.  * Business Roundtable, “Tapping America’s Potential,” July 2005.

7. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • Critical K-12 education factors • Shortage of teachers with STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – degrees • Schools utilize educational models from the Industrial Revolution • Rote learning is emphasized over relevance • Test taking skills emphasized over critical thinking

8. MAKING THE CASE FOR K-12 ENGINEERING OUTREACH • Engineering: the application of math and science • Project based engineering engages students • Applies math and science concepts to solve problems • Develops problem solving and critical thinking • Addresses Language Arts through project documentation • Covers Social Studies topics by considering social impact • K-12 schools lack engineering tradition • Engineering is not part of teacher certification • Few – if any – courses are in school curriculum

9. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY How the Center for Engineering Outreach is meeting the need

10. HOW THE CENTER FOR ENGINEERING OUTREACH IS MEETING THE NEED • Curriculum development through Pre-college Engineering Academy • Addresses the need for K-12 engineering curriculum • Raises engineering awareness among K-12 administrators • Utilizes project-based learning • Demonstrates the application of math, science and technology concepts

11. HOW THE CENTER FOR ENGINEERING OUTREACH IS MEETING THE NEED • Professional development through teacher training workshops • Addresses the issue of teachers who teach out of subject area • Raises engineering awareness among K-12 teachers • Stresses hands-on, project-based curriculum • Workshop content includes robotics, aerospace and green engineering

12. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY Rocketry and Engineering Outreach

13. ROCKETRY & ENGINEERING OUTREACH • From the beginning, started small and created support organizations • Designed Introduction to Rocketry workshop • Combined engineering design with model rocketry • Stresses math, science and physics behind flight • Developed in partnership with Brett Williams, Fredericksburg Independent School District • Formed Texas Partnership for Aeroscience Education (TPAE) • Texas Tech University • Pecos County/ Westex Spaceport Development Corporation • Midland College • Fredericksburg Independent School District

14. ROCKETRY & ENGINEERING OUTREACH • As demand grew, capabilities developed • Designed Advanced Rocketry workshop • Focused on rockets capable of carrying payloads • Developed in partnership with Pat Gordzelik, Tripoli Rocketry Association • Awarded Tripoli Level I and II certification • Transonic launch by Estacado High School • Set a national record for amateur rocketry • Recognized our Pre-college Engineering Academy program • Proved that rocketry has a place in K-12 education

15. ROCKETRY & ENGINEERING OUTREACH • Future plans include curriculum development and an expanded network • Developing Principles of Technology course • Will provide engineering content as part of the State of Texas course catalog • Will be piloted in six Texas schools in 2006-2007 • Expanding TPAE partnerships • NASA Aerospace Education Program • University Space Research Association • Texas Space Grant Consortium

16. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY Partnering with Tripoli Rocketry Association

17. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY • Tripoli Rocketry Association • Expertise for mentoring in local schools • Safe, insured launch sites • Documented safety procedures • Organized events like LDRS • Nation-wide membership

18. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY • Center for Engineering Outreach • Research expertise and facilities • Curriculum development and dissemination • Experience with K-12 outreach

19. CREATING PARTNERSHIPS BETWEEN HIGHER EDUCATION & AMATEUR ROCKETRY For more information

20. FOR MORE INFORMATION • Contact John R. Chandler, Ph.D. Director, Center for Engineering Outreach Box 43103 | Lubbock, Texas 79409-3103 T 806.742.3451 | F 806.742.3493 john.chandler@ttu.edu | www.engineeringoutreach.ttu.edu