1 outreach Recommendations for establishing small scale K

The need for general K-12 outreach has been the focus of many organizations on a broad scale approach. While that is certainly admirable and desirable, it is possible to initiate programs on a very small scale. Outreach is a viable plank in the platform for tenure as a service component. New and established faculty would profit from the opportunity to hone and refine teaching skills and submit their own conceptual understandings to the scrutiny of the very young. Particularly gratifying and beneficial is outreach aimed at kindergarten and first grade ages. These students are eagerly receptive to exposure to basic concepts in science and engineering technologies. In this paper, some recommendations are discussed for establishing connections with local school districts on a small scale basis, specifically concentrating on the kindergarten and first grade levels. Examples are shared from the author's own experience in introducing materials science and engineering technologies and several science experiments, as well as participation in the development of a teacher training program. Engineering technology as a whole derives much benefit from this introduction to the students at an early age, so that the degree becomes a part of their concept of career goals.

Recommendations for establishing small scale K, 1 outreach Conference Paper