SAE aims to build interest in science
MARSHALL TWP, Allegheny County — Even students who don't go on to become scientists or engineers can benefit from being engaged in science projects.
This is one of the guiding principles behind SAE International's pre-professional programs offered to students in preschool through college.
SAE is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. It's headquarters is located on Commonwealth Drive.
Since 2004, the Ray and Ginger Morris A World in Motion Fund, established by SAE's former executive director and his wife, has paid for educational materials for kindergarten through eighth grade schools in Beaver, Butler and Allegheny counties.
Each school may receive one project kit or set of materials per year for free. The foundation also works with sponsors to help districts get additional materials donated.
Schools in Butler County that have taken advantage of the opportunity include both Haine and Evans City elementary and middle schools in the Seneca Valley School District.
Chris Ciuca, SAE director of pre-professional development, said many students lose interest in learning about science at a young age.
Studies have reported that one-third of fourth-graders label science as irrelevant, and 50 percent of eight-graders have no engagement with science curriculum, Ciuca said.
SAE officials believe the approach to teach math, science and reading should be integrated.
“We want to transform learning systems for complete, integrated instruction. A traditional classroom teacher says reading is most important, but they can teach reading through scientific concepts,” Ciuca said.
Students in any district could stand to benefit from better understanding and engagement with science, technology, engineering and mathematics subjects, according to SAE.
“Our focus on is scientific literacy; it's not necessarily about turning all students into science workers or engineers in the future,” he said.
One of the kits offered for children in grades four through six is called “JetToy Challenge,” according to the program's website.In the challenge, groups of students must create designs for a balloon-powered vehicle using materials provided.Then they test the different designs and analyze the effects of nozzle size on the performance of the toys before presenting a final design.The project is split into 11 lessons that each take either 45 or 90 minutes to complete.And since the materials are all reusable, a teacher can get the kit and use it with classes every year.For high school and college students, working in groups on science projects helps to develop valuable soft skills, Ciuca said.One of the programs offered to colleges is a competition in which students build a race car from scratch.The groups typically have marketing, finance or other nonengineering students as part of their teams because the competition requires them to run a team like a small business.Learning to work well in groups is important for all ages, Ciuca said.“We have to put them in situations where they have to rely on themselves, learning how to do communications, analyze results. We want to teach kids to go out and find the answers to problems,” he said.More information about SAE's pre-professional programs is available at awim.sae.org.
