July 20, 2005

Teachers get technology education with Project Lead the Way

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Teachers from all over Indiana and around the country are in Kokomo learning how to get their students started early in technology and engineering education.

The teachers are participating in a two-week Project Lead the Way training session at Purdue’s College of Technology campus in Kokomo. The program runs through July 22 and allows technology, physics and other middle- and high-school teachers to learn curricula to increase the level and scope of technology education in their schools.

Project Lead the Way is a national educational program that promotes high-level technology and pre-engineering curricula in middle and high schools. Through collaborations between K-12 education, higher education and industry, the program seeks to increase the number and quality of engineers and engineering technologists in the United States.

"The program is one of the best in the country and, when combined with college preparatory math and science classes in high school, introduces students to the rigor, scope and discipline of engineering and engineering technology," said Michael T. O’Hair, College of Technology associate dean for statewide technology and engagement who oversees Purdue’s involvement. "It is the type of curriculum that these teachers can use to complement the great things they are already doing in classrooms throughout the state."

In Indiana, the program is offered in partnership between the state Department of Education and Purdue's College of Technology. It reaches more than 10,000 students each year in more than 120 schools throughout the state. Only New York has a higher level of participation from its state's schools.

The program includes a wide range of technology and pre-engineering topics, including computer-aided design, robotics, electronics and engineering design.

At this month's training session, teachers will earn college credit as they learn about hands-on projects they can use in their classrooms and develop their own Project Lead the Way lesson plans.

Programs in biotechnology engineering and aerospace engineering will be piloted this year in Indiana, and teachers at the Kokomo training will be among the first to use the curricula in their classes.

"Project Lead the Way continues to expand the opportunities for young people to prepare themselves for careers in technology and engineering," said Kevin D. Taylor, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering technology who is leading the training seminars.

"Biotechnology is one of the fastest growing and most important segments of the economy. Aerospace is an exciting field that has inspired people for more than 100 years. By piloting these two programs, Indiana will be giving its students an advantage as they continue their education."

Writer: Matt Holsapple, (765) 494-2073, mholsapple@purdue.edu

Sources: Michael T. O'Hair, (765) 494-2554, mtohair@purdue.edu

Kevin D. Taylor, (765) 455-9228, kdtaylor@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Journalists are invited to attend any of the teachers’ educational sessions. Contact Rene Bailey at (765) 455-9571 or srbailey@puk.indiana.edu.

Related Web sites:
Purdue University Home Page

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