Integration of sensors and electrical engineering into secondary geometry curriculum

Several studies have reported on the potential benefits of integrating engineering education in K-12 curricula. Such benefits include: (i) an improved student learning and achievements in mathematics and science, (ii) an increased awareness of engineering and what engineers do, and (iii) an interest in pursuing engineering as a career. To help realize these benefits, the goals of the University of Texas-Pan American Research Experiences for Teachers in Emerging and Novel Engineering Technologies (RET-ENET) program are to: (i) engage math and science teachers in engineering research during the summer for the period of six weeks, and (ii) support the recruited teachers to translate their engineering research experiences into hands-on engineering-inspired curricula that they implement in their classrooms during the academic year. Using specific examples from the 2012 RET-ENET program, this paper discusses the activities conducted by a team of teachers who worked on a radar imaging research project and the process that led to the development of hands-on geometry lessons inspired by the research experience. The observation of the implementation of the lessons in the teachers' classrooms and the results of student assessments showed that the engineering-inspired hands-on lessons engaged students and increased their interest in learning the geometry concepts.