My Essential Question:

How does the implementation of competition robotics into Engineering class-curriculum help inspire interest in STEM fields, as well as improve overall student engagement, creativity, and satisfaction?

Week of 11/28/16

This week we were assigned with reading an article suggesting that many college graduates are socially unaware and come off as idealistic, lazy, and self-absorbed. While it may have been somewhat of a bold generalization, the article did raise some good points. Today many younger job candidates suffer not from a lack of knowledge, but a lack of social awareness. It is extremely important to understand what exactly is professional and acceptable in a work place. The article suggested today's youth struggles with this, but I feel that these lessons are ubiquitously necessary for anyone entering the work force no matter what generation you live in. No one is born knowing exactly what is acceptable in the work place or even just socially in general, but it is up to us to humble ourselves as we explore what defines professionalism. Social intelligence is being able to read a situation or environment where people communicate, and respond in an acceptable way. It means being humble enough to prevent unnecessary confrontation, respecting authority, and working together progressively even when it might not be the most convenient response. The article reminded me the importance of being socially aware in any given situation,
https://growingleaders.com/blog/first-soft-skill-develop-students/

Mechanical Engineering Powerpoint

http://slideonline.com/presentation/193095-mechanical-engineering-pptx

Week of November 7th

My internship site has been a significantly valuable partner to my education as my mentor has been supportive throughout the college application process and has given me guidance towards my future. It is helping to prepare me for the workforce, and is giving me the resources to get there. I feel it has also given me a competitive edge by giving me real world experience in teaching me how to balance lots of school, work, and other activities. In addition, it has provided me with a new challenge, and has helped me strive to better myself and excel.

In my time at my internship, I have met my goal in helping some of the middle school teams qualify for the VEX Robotics State Championship. These kids will have an awesome opportunity to go compete against teams and students from around the state and go for the gold. I like to think that my internship has allowed me to help get them there. I have learned new skills with not only teaching, but leadership and technical skills. In addition, my experience has been so positive that it has made me consider a career in Career Tech education. As of right now, my plan is to seek a degree in mechanical engineering, work in the field for a while, and then come back to be an engineering teacher or professor. 

Mentorship Write Up

My profile: Over the past several years of my life, I’ve developed a passion for creating things through engineering projects. As I got older and older, I realized this was what I planned to do for the rest of my life. This has led me to become heavily involved in our school’s robotics program which has allowed me to challenge myself to design and build robots to compete with other students. My designs have gotten better and more successful the more I’ve learned. In April of 2016, my team and I even earned a spot to compete at the VEX Robotics World Championships against teams from over 33 other countries where we got to see how our robot compared to some of the very top teams from around the world. The same year, I was selected through a rigorous application and interview process to attend the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program to attend engineering classes over the summer with some of the best and brightest kids from around the state. My senior year I was elected President of the VEX Robotics Program, which has allowed me to give back to the program that has given so much to me. There’s nothing more satisfying than working hands on to design and create something new and innovative, which is why I have chosen the engineering pathway.

My Internship: For my internship I have been fortunate enough to have the opportunity to job shadow one of my previous engineering teachers. I work with him at North Forsyth Middle School where I learn just what it takes to teach middle schoolers the basic foundations of engineering, and work on projects in the lab. At my job I get to work with industry standard machinery like the CNC Laser Engraver, 3D design software, and shop tools. In addition, I help mentor the robotics teams which allows me to share my knowledge and experiences with the younger students. My goal is to help provide them with an enriching experience, inspire them to pursue their own engineering endeavors, and share the same opportunities I’ve been fortunate enough to have through robotics. Outside of just helping teach the students, it gives me the opportunity to learn more myself from someone with real experience in engineering.

My Future: Next year I plan to go to college and pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. My internship has been extremely valuable in the aspect that it’s given me valuable insight as to what a job in the field might look like. It has also broadened my horizons and made me consider coming back to teach the next generation of engineers at some point during my career.

Honors Mentorship Week of 10/24/16

Since starting my mentorship, my perception has changed as I've gained perspective on how much it takes to keep the students engaged. With so many students of so many different backgrounds and interests, it can be a real challenge to engage them into the content. With engineering, I feel that there is a subject or area for anyone with a desire to create. However, in a larger class and younger students, it can be a challenge to tailor the content and curriculum to indivual students. I've seen that my mentor's solution to this is to teach everyone the content, but allow them apply it in their own way through projects that are open to creativity. I was surprised and really impressed to see the kinds of ideas students came up with when they participate in projects that allow them to think outside the box. Of course, some students put forth very little effort in their class and projects, but the majority are very invested in the class and come up with really interesting ideas when given the chance.
As rewarding as my experiences with my internship have been, not every minute of it is super exciting. I've seen that in order to create an enriching student experience, there is a lot of work that must go in behind the scenes. In engineering classes, the students work with professional programs like adobe illustrator. In order for them to complete their projects, I've had to help them trouble shoot problems that I wasn't even one hundred percent sure how to fix. In addition, all of the projects, tests, and quizes for each class must be graded which can be very time consuming. Despite some of the more tedious aspects, all of these things are worth it to see the students excell and be able to learn about such intersting topics.

Annotated Bibliography Summary (Week of 10/17/16)

Ayar, M. C. (2015). First-hand Experience with Engineering

Design and Career Interest in Engineering: An Informal     

STEM Education Case Study.Educational Sciences: Theory    

& Practice, 15(6), 1655. doi:10.12738/estp.2015.6.0134

The article is perfect for my research, as it describes a case study in which engineers and educators experiment with different styles of teaching as well as the implementation of newer updated curriculum standards. The trials of the case study come together to emphasize the importance of a more hands-on style of teaching engineering that results in an enriching experience for the kids, and higher levels of positive feedback. Engineering is the real-world application of math and sciences, so it would seem common sense teach in a style that promotes the application of modern standards and concepts, but because the field is always changing, the educational system and standard have a hard time keeping up. This results in standards that are outdated and inapplicable to the modern industry, and can even decrease student interest. Fortunately, case studies like the one in this article have shed light on the issue, and have suggested significant cause for the regular reformation of curriculum content and standards. The article describes a study in which practicing engineers worked with educators to host a summer camp in which they taught the kids through hands-on labs and activities. They compared the results to that of the standard classroom setting. What they found was that the flexibility provided through the lack of strict state mandated standards, in addition to the opportunities for students to exercise their creativity, resulted in much more positive results and feedback,

The goal of teaching engineering in schools in the first place is to excite kids about STEM areas of study and show them what a career in engineering might look like. I have experienced this first hand in my internship, where I have witnessed the difference in excitement between the hands on applications of standards through things like robotics, versus the confinements set forth by state mandated standards. Many of these standards have not been updated in nearly ten years, which is astounding if you consider how much technology has changed over the past decade. In these past few years we’ve seen revolutionary advancements such as the introduction of smartphones, further automation of robotic manufacturing, and even self-driving cars. However, the Georgia state standards suggest that engineering teachers should still be teaching things in a manner that does not accommodate these new changes in the field. The case study affirmed this idea in showing that students exhibited significantly more interest through hands-on experiences rather than standard classroom lectures. Of course, lectures are necessary sometimes, but this study would suggest that they’re useless without allowing the students to experience the application of the taught concepts first-hand. Another parallel between my observations and the study, is that learning through trial and error proves invaluable in the students’ retention of information. Just like you wouldn’t expect a student to know how to do algebra after a lecture without any practice, the same goes for the basic fundamentals of engineering.

All in all, the article was an excellent parallel to my research, because it showed many similarities between what I have begun to witness at my internship with robotics and engineering education, as well as the cons of having strict state-mandated standards. I feel the information presented in the article will be a highly valuable reference as I conduct my own research in the field of engineering and career tech education.

Scholarly Article Graphic Organizer

Name: Simon Langen

Source #____ Bibliography (MLA or APA) 10 pts	References Ayar, M. C. (2015). First-hand Experience with Engineering Design and Career Interest in Engineering: An Informal      STEM Education Case Study.Educational Sciences: Theory     & Practice, 15(6), 1655. doi:10.12738/estp.2015.6.0134
Annotation: (Describe ALL info. that might be important for your paper. Explain to the reader and/or summarize what might be found in this source) 35 pts	The article is a very in-depth analysis/case-study of techniques for engaging students in STEM education and career fields. It describes student feedback and results produced by different methods of teaching. The article also highlights the issues with the current outdated engineering curriculum standards in a constantly changing field. The article focuses on using a loose yet modern and practical technique of teaching through hands-on applications such as robotics, and electronics.
Potential Quotes: (Are there any significant quotes you can use or paraphrase from this source?) 15 pts	” More importantly, they revealed that active engagement in engineering practices was the key to fostering interest in engineering, in turn pursuing a career in engineering.” (page 6) “Slangen et al. desired to explore whether or not to develop technological literacy through robotics activities when students were engaged in an environment of direct manipulation. They found that students developed more sophisticated conceptual perspectives on robotics.” (page 6)
Assessment: (Analyze and explain why this source is credible) 15 pts	The source is a scholarly article reviewing data collected first hand in a case study. It is highly detailed and peer-reviewed. I also found it using the Galileo search engine, which produces primarily credible scholarly articles.
Reflection: (How will you potentially use it?) 25 pts	This will be an excellent source of information, because it directly reflects my experiences with robotics education vs. curriculum based education at my workplace. I plan to discuss the difference in student engagement during class where my mentor must implement a specific set of curriculum standards, versus after school at during robotics where students are allowed to work with hands on methods to learn mechanical, electrical, and programming concepts that go into creating robots.

Work Ethic

One of the most important traits someone can have in the workforce is a strong work ethic. In this week's assignment for Honor's Mentorship, we did an activity that allowed us to take the Occupational Work Ethic Inventory (OWEI) quiz in order to get a score that we could compare to the baseline average of a large group of adults working professional jobs. I was satisfied with my scores, as they proved to be somewhat above average. I'd like to think that I was pretty honest with myself, but at the same time I recognize the fact that sometimes it is easy to say one thing and practice another. The quiz was an especially good reference for ways that I could improve my work ethic, as it provided me with a list of traits that an employer might look for, and that might improve my successes in not only my career, but my quality of life in general.


It is crucial to my success that I establish good habits, and do everything with a clear purpose and determined state of mind. I hope to try and exhibit traits that will set me apart as a worker, and allow me to keep my job and life in a state of organization. The quiz made me realize I occasionally might struggle with punctuality, but I know that I am absolutely capable of over-coming this. That's not to say I'm unreliable, but I definitely have room for self-improvement, as does everyone. I look forward to using the next year to expand my work-ethic responsibilities outside of just my study habits, but my ability to work with other people efficiently in a professional environment, and practice exercising traits and habits that will prepare my for my career down the road.

Communication

It is very important to consider in each and every scenario you find yourself in, what the appropriate form of communication is. I find that it's mostly intuitive, but still valuable to step back and evaluate the situation before deciding how you want to communicate. Sometimes we find ourselves communicating in personal relationships in ways that would be unprofessional in the work-place.
It is also important to know your employers and coworkers and be able to pick up on nonverbal ques in order to decide how to communicate in a given scenario.


It is not just things people say, but things like body language, facial expressions, and posture that reflect what your listener is thinking, and thus how to communicate better. Communication is not always verbal, and can take place by other means of communication which do not really allow for non-verbal conversational ques. Equally as important as being able to convey things in an articulate and appropriate manor is having the ability to be a good listener. Conversations should not be one sided, so by listening well, you gain more. It is also recommended to ask good questions because it reassures that you were listening. When talking to a friend it might not be expected that you remain formal and alert. However, when talking to someone like an employer, it is crucial to communicate well because your communication skills will directly reflect your boss's opinion of your utility and ability to collaborate with those around you.


The relationship you maintain with your employer and coworkers is not typically overly personal, and therefore it should not be treated as such. I can apply these ideas by giving my employer 100% of my attention when spoken to, and keeping things that don't belong at work out of work-related conversations. That's not to say I shouldn't tell my boss anything about myself, but there's a time and place for everything, so I'll avoid letting it affect my work. I'll carefully ask for help when I need help, but be sure to listen and make an effort to understand when my questions are answered. I'll have clear and concise questions as well, because this will play a role in my boss's opinion of me. Every scenario is going to be different so it is best to be tactful in communication efforts, and most of all pay attention, because the key to being a good conversationalist is not just being able to talk, but to listen.

Week of September 5th

The article "Getting Ready for Your Mentor" was very informative on how to make the most of an internship experience. It stressed the importance of realizing the opportunity at hand, and gave some major "do's and don'ts"to abide by. One thing in particular that stood out to me is that you shouldn't get frustrated with menial tasks. They may not be fun, but it's an opportunity to prove your competence and dedication to your employer so that down the road they may trust you with bigger and more significant tasks. It is important to give every aspect of the job your best effort, show up on time, dress to the occasion, and be enthusiastic. An internship is also a wonderful networking opportunity as it allows you to meet many people in different levels and positions, who work in your prospective field. I will try my very best to take initiative at my internship and give all my projects my very best effort, because I know that I will get out of it what I put into it. I will try and go above and beyond on all my tasks, and make the most of every opportunity, be it something small or a major project. I will have the opportunity to prove myself, and establish relationships with people in the field that I hope to build my future career in. I want to learn as much as I can, and give as much as I can so that I can inspire the students I'm working with, and learn more about engineering and robotics. I am more than willing to give my mentor 110 percent effort on all my projects, because if I give it my all, the opportunity I have at hand will foreshadow my future career, and give me a competitive edge in building my portfolio. More importantly though, my efforts will hopefully provide the middle school students with a rewarding robotics experience and get them excited about something that I am truly passionate about. These first few weeks have been tiring, but I am unbeleivably grateful to have such a unique experience to learn from a professional and learn how to teach something that I'm passionate about to others.

Being a leader is something everyone can do. By making changes in your everyday life, you can bring your ideas to life and bring out the best in the people around you. It is up to each and every one of us to guide each other and voice our opinions.

Week of August 29th

JD Russo's talk stressed over and over the importance of leadership in a world of indifference. He suggested that people's go to safe gaurd from the problems of modern society was simply to choose not to care. It suggests that downfalls come not from a lack of awareness but a lack of care for the issues. The talk stuck out to me because it really defines just exactly why it is so important to have leaders and activists in today's society. It is easy to pass judgement or think that someone is wasting their time when they're strongly opinionated or speaking their voice when the truth is, society relies on us not to be passive when it comes to the issues that directly affect us. This idea makes me want to stand up for what I beleive in by making an effort to get things done, and always having a purpose. In today's world and even in the work force is one thing to know what you're doing, but another to know why you're doing it. One issue that has always stood out to me is the absurd carbon footprint our country has from the automobile industry. I hope one day to use the skills I learn in engineering and apply them to the cause to help protect our planet.

Honors Mentorship Week One

Having completed the first week at my my mentorship with the engineering program at North Forsyth Middle School, I've began to reflect on the importance of the opportunity I have at hand, and how much there is to gain from such a unique experience. I've known for some time now that I have a passion for building and designing new things and that down the road I hope to seek a career as an engineer. My school's robotics and engineering program has been an amazing outlet for me to expand my knowledge/skills, and has given me the opportunity to work on many great projects I normally would not have had the opportunity to be a part of. A previous engineering teacher of mine has given me the chance to come work with him during his engineering classes and help mentor robotics teams after school. This will allow me to take something I have a passion for, and learn how to teach it to others, and will help me share my knowledge and experiences in a professional environment. One critical component of the mentorship is learning how to carry myself in the work place, and realizing that a first impression is long lasting. This idea was strongly emphasized by the podcast we listened to for the mentorship class, as well as the "Getting to Know Your Mentor" handout. It suggested tips on how to be professional and get the most out of a mentorship by presenting myself as mature, reliable, hard-working, and punctual. I have known my mentor for some time now so the environment was very welcoming, however I had the opportunity to meet several teachers whom I did not know before hand. I made sure to dress well to the occasion, and arrive a few minutes early each day. In addition, I was also introduced to the principal of the school. He asked me about my mentorship, my plans for college career, and what I expected from the mentorship. I explained my motives for wanting to complete the mentorship, and told him that I plan to go into the field of mechanical engineering, but also I explained that I've had an interest in teaching the trade to others as well, especially considering the major impact my school and teachers have had on me. I look forward to the year to come, and I plan to give the mentorship my all, with the hopes that I will gain more insight on what exactly it means to be an engineer, and how to better share ideas, skills, and information with others.