Arlington, Va. (Dec. 20, 2010) – Inspire Elementary Students with Engineering, a new online professional development course from PBS TeacherLine^® (www.pbs.org/teacherline), helps preK-6 grade teachers build on their subject-area knowledge while learning innovative instructional strategies they can immediately apply in the classroom to teach engineering concepts. Teachers learn how to provide students with an early foundation in engineering through standards-based science and math curriculum, and to develop students’ critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. The course was developed by the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning (INSPIRE) within the Purdue University School of Engineering Education, and is now open for enrollment for the Winter 2010-11 term.

Recent international assessments show that U.S. student performance in science and math is lackluster compared to other developed nations, and the number of engineers graduating from U.S. colleges and universities continues to decline. Schools can reverse these trends through high-quality instruction, and integrating engineering lessons into core curriculum at the elementary level. A growing number of research studies show interest in engineering needs to be fostered in the early years to inspire more students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, and to better prepare students with the tools and skills needed for success in the digital age.

Inspire Elementary Students with Engineering helps teachers understand the engineering design process and the development of a “model eliciting activity,” an instructional strategy for effectively integrating hands-on, problem-solving engineering lessons into the classroom. During the 30-hour, two-credit course, teachers design an original model eliciting activity that aligns with their curriculum, and pilot it in the classroom with their students. Teachers can earn graduate credit from Purdue University, continuing education units, or professional development points for course completion.

INSPIRE developed the new online professional development course based on its groundbreaking research and authentic evidence-based curriculum in engineering education. The Institute selected PBS TeacherLine, the premier provider of online professional development for preK-12 educators, to deliver the course nationally through its proven online, facilitator-led model for teacher professional development. PBS TeacherLine courses provide an engaging, collaborative learning environment for teachers to hone their knowledge and skills and to gain practical instructional strategies and rich multimedia resources they can use in the classroom. Facilitators guide educators through the courses and foster a supportive professional learning network that teachers rely on long after they’ve completed the courses.

The first offering of Inspire Elementary Students with Engineering is in the Winter term, now open for enrollment. Courses begin Jan. 26, 2011. For more information or to enroll, visit www.pbs.org/teacherline.

More Information

To learn more about PBS TeacherLine, go to www.pbs.org/teacherline.

About INSPIRE and Purdue University

INSPIRE, the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning is a research center in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University that is dedicated to addressing the downward trends in engineering interest, preparedness, and representation; to transforming preschool-12 engineering education; and ultimately to preparing an engineering literate society. Established in 2006, INSPIRE conducts basic and applied multidisciplinary research in: early engineering; identity and gender; the development of students’ and teachers’ knowledge, attitudes and behavior in regards to engineering; the learning of engineering in informal settings; and research on system-wide, large-scale integration of engineering into educational systems. INSPIRE is an integral part of the School of Engineering Education, the nation’s first academic unit offering a Ph.D. in Engineering Education, and Purdue University’s Engineer of 2020 Initiative.

About PBS TeacherLine

PBS TeacherLine is committed to helping teachers acquire the skills they need to prepare students for a successful future. PBS TeacherLine provides high-quality, affordable professional development through facilitated, online courses, collaborative learning communities, and exemplary Internet-based resources. Currently, more than 130 courses across multiple subject areas are offered. Teachers can earn continuing education units, professional development points, and graduate credits for course completion. The courses have been developed in conjunction with leading education organizations, including Mid-Continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL), Education Development Center (EDC), Concord Consortium, National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and International Society for Technology Education. Created in 2000, PBS TeacherLine is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, which represents approximately 85 percent of the total program funding. The remaining 15 percent is funded through in-kind support from PBS and through program income.

About PBS

PBS, with its 356 member stations, offers all Americans – from every walk of life – the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches more than 124 million people on-air and online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and Web site, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at www.pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org Web sites on the Internet.

Contacts

PBS TeacherLine
Donovan Goode
703-739-5073
dwgoode at pbs dot org
www.pbs.org

C. Blohm & Associates, Inc.
Kristen Plemon
608-839-9805
kristen at cblohm dot com
www.cblohm.com

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