teachers working with models that will aid in computer designs

At SJSU this summer, high school teachers learn about computer-aided design software and best practices for engaging their students in a hands-on, project-based curriculum.

By Emily Allen, Associate Dean, Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering

This month, 20 high school teachers from Northern California schools are on campus for their Introduction to Engineering Design “bootcamp,” a two-week intensive training workshop for our Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum. Project Lead the Way is an important foundation for SJSU’s Engineering Pathways to Success program. The public-private initiative seeks to engage Bay Area middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, and empower them to succeed in college engineering programs and engineering careers. More than 2,000 students in 23 Bay Area schools currently participate in the program, with another 20 schools coming on board this fall.  The teachers reside in Campus Village housing and spend eight hours a day in the engineering building learning computer-aided design software and best practices for engaging their students in a hands-on, project-based curriculum. Participants include math, science, and career/tech ed teachers; among them are a few who entered the teaching profession after obtaining engineering degrees.