UW College of Engineering Announces Summer Workshops for Teachers

Organizers are urging Wyoming educators to sign up for the second annual Engineering Summer Program for Teachers (ESP4T), as registration opened Nov. 21.

Hosted by the University of Wyoming’s College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), this professional development workshop focuses on the use of arduino and raspberry pi computer technology to incorporate electrical engineering and computer programming language into K-12 science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) classrooms. 

Because engineering is interdisciplinary in nature, teachers in all subject areas are encouraged to attend. For more information or to register, visit www.uwyo.edu/esp4t/.

The beginner-level workshop, from July 10-14, 2017, will start with an "Introduction to Programming," followed by hands-on simple electrical engineering projects. The advanced-level workshop (July 17-21, 2017) is designed for teachers with a background and some experience with programming and electronic controllers. Both workshops will include sessions on how to effectively integrate the material and practices into the classroom.

"Our college aims to enhance the quality and quantity of students pursuing STEM programs at UW so that we can meet the demand for professionals in those high-impact fields in the state,” CEAS Dean Michael Pishko says. “The ESP4T is specifically designed to provide teachers with the resources they need to inspire students’ interest in engineering and computer science. Through our program, UW faculty and students provide participants with technical support while also emphasizing creativity. We want students to learn to think critically and to develop the skills necessary to solve the problems in our society today and into the future.”

Teachers who complete the weeklong summer workshop and attend two follow-up workshops will receive a $1,500 stipend and arduino and raspberry pi loaner kits to use in their classrooms. Participants also will be provided with lodging and meals while at UW. Those who register by Dec. 14 and complete the summer workshop also will receive a free sensor kit. Registration remains open until Feb. 14, 2017, or until all of the slots are filled.

“We are excited that more than 80 Wyoming teachers who attended last summer’s workshops have been eager to try using arduinos and raspberry pis in their classes this year,” says Sylvia Parker, a faculty member from the Science and Math Teaching Center. “For example, the High Tech Haunted House that students at Wheatland High School hosted on Halloween was supported by a science teacher and an industry and trades math teacher who participated in the ESP4T workshop last summer. Students created and controlled dropping spiders, voice-activated surprises, glowing skulls, twirling heads, spooky eyes and more. And, they had to do a great deal of problem-solving to make everything work.”

A databank of lessons and activities will be made available as teachers and students complete their units and share their experiences.