Abstract
Engaging Students in Environmental Learning and Awareness of Green DesignTechnologies and Careers through a Pre-Engineering ProgramA framework for an active learning summer program for middle school students is presentedalong with survey instruments and pre and post program data regarding student attitudes andawareness of sustainable design issues and career motivation in the field. This summer programwas designed to attract students, especially from underrepresented groups, into early motivatingexperiences in the engineering fields and to increase their awareness of concepts and careers inrenewable energy, and green engineering design principles and technologies. Twenty-fourstudents from a low social economic school district were provided the opportunity to experiencemany state of the art engineering technologies at the university’s school of engineering and tolearn from a diverse group of knowledgeable mentoring faculty. In the week -long program,students were involved in hands-on engineering and renewable energy activities appropriate totheir age and knowledge. Topics covered included: the engineering design process, CAD solidmodeling, 3D Printing and water jet cutting, hands-on assembly, renewable energy resources forhomes, sustainable site selection, and water efficiency principles. Using project-based learning,student teams participated as designers of their own green home models by integrating theirlearning of renewable energy use, conservation practices, and appropriate design and materialselection. Pre and post surveys revealed increases in student awareness of general engineeringand renewable energy concepts as well as increased interest in pursuing engineering careers.