Abstract

Abstract I2D2: Imagination, Innovation, Discovery, and Design A large-scale collaborative learning project involving first-year engineering students at aprivate research university and fifth graders from local schools was implemented during the fallsemesters of 2010 and 2011. Entitled “I2D2: Imagination, Innovation, Discovery, and Design,”the project focuses upon two of the most basic modes of thought employed by engineers andscientists: creativity in coming up with new ideas, and using experimentation to test ideas.While this could be classified as an outreach event, the program was developed for the dualpurpose of both the college and fifth grade students. The college students worked with the fifthgrade students on LEGO® activities and then had the opportunity to talk with them about theirideas for a Robotic Pet – in this way serving as a “customer” to a first-year engineering designproject. For the fifth grade students, the goal was to offer exposure to university setting andinstill an interest and recognition of the engineering / scientific process to help prepare them fortheir science fair projects. In addition to participating in hands on activities, the fifth gradesstudents went on a tour, led by engineering students, that was focused on STEM education. Thefifth grade students were surveyed before and after the program and results showed an increasedinterest in college, science, and engineering (science and engineering were statisticallysignificant. The results indicate that while fifth grade students are already interested in going tocollege, exposure through hands-on activities with college students can increase their interestlevel in STEM fields. Future plans for improved program administration are discussed.