Science Teachers Enrichment Program (STEP)

RLE, in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Schools Science Department, developed this one-week engineering design workshop for middle and high school science teachers. The primary goal of this workshop has been to enhance the content knowledge of participants regarding the engineering design process. During the pandemic, the program was expanded to allow online participation, attracting K-12 teachers from across the US. On Zoom, teachers now interact with RLE faculty and graduate students, engaging in a hands-on workshop that explores the role of materials and electronics in solving energy-related problems for people. Through this program, participants discover that various engineering disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, materials, aero-astro, ocean, chemical, and computer engineering, all revolve around a common theme: energy.

 

Participants have the opportunity to delve into a kit of eight remarkable projects, with each project being constructed in a morning or afternoon session following a background lecture. Additionally, graduate students from the faculty member’s group actively lead activities as part of this program.

Thomas S. Wootton High School in VA

Students at Thomas S. Wootton High School in VA using an oscilloscope to visualize the induced current when whistling in front of a microphone. Their teacher was a STEP2023 participant.

Thomas S. Wootton High School in VA

Students at Thomas S. Wootton High School in VA using an oscilloscope to visualize the induced current when whistling in front of a microphone. Their teacher was a STEP2023 participant.

Erik Saathoff

RLE Graduate Student Erik Saathoff leads build and programming sessions for K-12 teachers across the United States during the 2023 Summer STEP program for teachers

Tong Qiu

RLE Graduate Student Tong Qiu leads build and programming sessions for K-12 teachers across the United States during the 2023 Summer STEP program for teachers

Li-Yu Yu

RLE Graduate Student Li-Yu Yu leads build and programming sessions for K-12 teachers across the United States during the 2023 Summer STEP program for teachers

Application period closed for Summer 2024!

(please check this website and watch your email in May, 2025)

Materials and Energy Systems Workshop

Spend a week with MIT’s Research Laboratory of Electronics (RLE) in a free hands-on workshop about the role that materials and circuits play in energy systems to solve problems for people.  You may be surprised to discover that seemingly different engineers – electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, materials scientists, aero-astros, ocean engineers, chemical engineers, and even computer scientists – are all ultimately studying the same thing: energy!  Under the guidance of Professor Steven Leeb, explore a kit of remarkable projects that we will build together during the week while hearing lectures about energy systems.  All materials provided!

We will be looking at motors, speakers, engines, windmills, temperature sensors, and other systems that produce or consume or measure energy!

The final day of the workshop is devoted to group discussion and brainstorming about related projects for use in K-12 classrooms.

Participants:

  • Middle and high school science teachers, nationwide, are invited to apply!
  • The number of positions in this workshop is limited. Applicants will be accepted in the order in which their application forms are received.
  • Please note that this is an online program using a kit that will be mailed to accepted applicants.

Program Objectives:

  • To increase content knowledge of both materials science and engineering in the engineering design process
  • To develop modules for the classroom that address Massachusetts learning standards

Program Details:

  • The program takes place typically the 3rd week of July, over Zoom. Please rely on current flyer for details.
    • 9:00am – 5:00pm (Eastern)
    • Monday – Thursday
    • July 15 – 18, 2024
  • $300 stipend will be paid to participants
  • MIT faculty give presentations on physics, chemistry, and engineering
  • Participants design and build a simple motor and create classroom modules on engineering design

Application Process: