This award provides funding for a 3 year continuing award to support a Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering Site program at the Polytechnic University of New York entitled, "RET Site: Science and Mechatronics Aided Research for Teachers", under the direction of Dr. Vikram Kapila.
This Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering Site will provide a professional development opportunity to 10 high school teachers per year (total of 30 teachers) in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). These teachers will work with and be mentored by Dr. Kapila and three senior personnel as they conduct inquiry-based, hands-on, engineering research in the exciting field of mechatronics during six-week long summer workshops.
The project will benefit the teachers by reinforcing their science and math skills; enriching their STEM experience through exposure to real world engineering research; developing and honing their research, communication and presentation skills; and providing them opportunities to network with STEM educators.