Science STUFF (Science, Society and Technology for Underrepresented Future Fabricators): Curriculum for future makers and designers

Abstract

This paper documents the year-long process of developing one curriculum module out of several used in formal and informal settings in a rural southern US state. The goal was to develop engineering design-infused STEM activities that used everyday materials, related to students’ lives, had a pro-social focus, met state science standards, and helped youth develop STEM literacy and skills. This process of curriculum design falls into the category of “design experiments” as described by Brown (1992), Collins (1992) and others. Over 375 students were exposed to the Solar Landmine Detectors curriculum over the course of a year and the module was continuously revised based on observations of the students.