Developing a Science, Technology,

Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Education Focus at Auburn University

Dr. W. Gary MartinProfessor of Mathematics Education

AU Presidential Fellowmartiwg@auburn.edu

334-559-3141

Rationale

• National calls for attention to STEM education Perceived loss in U. S. leadership in STEM fields

(cf. Rising Against the Gathering Storm, 2006) Reported decline in the U. S.’s supply of

scientists and engineers (Task Force on the Future of American Innovation, 2005)

Education is seen as the key to remedying this situation (cf. National Science Board, 2007)

• This seems to be developing national priority.

Auburn’s Current Efforts

• Funded projects TEAM-Math (NSF Math and Science Partnership,

$9.5 million; Malone Family Foundation, $305,000)

Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (Alabama Dept. of Education, approx $1.5 million annually)

GK12 program (NSF, $1.9 million) Noyce Scholarship Program (NSF, $308,000) Increasing diversity: COSAM and Engineering

Current Efforts (continued)

• Outreach to K-12 BEST robotics program YES program

• Interest or potential in other areas Engineering education Renewable energy, fisheries, … Undergraduate education related to

STEM

What Is Missing

• A coordinated and sustained focus on STEM education at Auburn University

Goals

• To enhance collaboration and communication among faculty members with an existing interest in STEM education and to recruit additional faculty members from across the Auburn University campus who are interested.

• To develop an awareness of the need for a sustained focus on STEM education at Auburn University that includes stakeholders from other colleges and universities in the region, from K-12 education, and from business and industry.

Benefits

• Better coordination of existing efforts• Identification of potential new

collaborations and projects Including external stakeholders

• Better positioning to respond to future RFPs

Action Plan

• Gathering information from: Internal stakeholders regarding the role of

STEM education at Auburn External stakeholders regarding possible

collaborations Other institutions that have developed an

effective focus on STEM education

Initial Meeting

STEM Education Initiative Initial Discussion April 21, 2008, 3:00-4:30 PM Foy 202

For More Information

Visit:http://www.auburn.edu/~martiwg/

STEMfocus/

Contact:Dr. W. Gary MartinProfessor of Mathematics EducationAU Presidential Fellowmartiwg@auburn.edu334-559-3141