2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

With the rapid development in science and technology and their impact on the global economy, there has been a pressing need for an evolution in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for K-12 students. STEM labs and activities have become very popular in schools and favorable activities for students. STEM-based schools have been established in several countries in response to the students' passion for science and engineering. While STEM refers to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics, the engineering part removes the barriers and encapsulates all the other topics within its applications. Therefore, STEM educators with an engineering technology background would significantly impact students’ project-based and hands-on learning.
This paper presents a unique engineering technology degree in STEM Education developed and implemented at Texas A&M University. The STEM Education engineering degree resulted from a collaboration between the College of Engineering and the School of Education and Human Development, and it is offered in the Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology program at the Department of Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution. The STEM Education degree is a novel engineering program that prepares the needed future STEM educators who will inspire K-12 students to be future scientists and engineers. STEM Education students take courses from the College of Engineering and School of Education and Human Development toward a Bachelor of Science in Multidisciplinary Engineering Technology. These students are also prepared to become certified in teaching engineering, mathematics, and physical science, thanks to the program’s cutting-edge technical knowledge and teaching methods.
The paper presents the degree curriculum, integrated technology used, skill set taught to students, examples of project-based courses, external student training, and the future outlook and challenges for the program. This paper will provide clear pathways for establishing similar programs at engineering schools worldwide.