Abstract:

The integration of research in educational contexts provides benefits to students that include enhanced motivation to learning new concepts, improved critical thinking and scientific reasoning, and increased academic performance. Several initiatives have been implemented at Florida International University (FIU) to integrate the research conducted at the NSF-NHERI Wall of Wind (WOW) Experimental Facility (EF) into educational contexts on the secondary and post-secondary levels. For instance, an undergraduate course entitled “Hurricane Engineering and Global Sustainability” addresses three global learning outcomes: global awareness, perspective, and engagement. Through class discussions and site visits to the WOW at the FIU Engineering Center and the National Hurricane Center (NHC) co-located on FIU’s main campus, students are introduced to state-of-the-art research on the effects of hurricanes on structures. This student-centric learning course is supported by undergraduate and graduate teaching assistants, and the knowledge students gain is rooted in ongoing real-world WOW research. The undergraduate students that support the course receive additional preparation through FIU’s Learning Assistant (LA) program and WOW training. They are also given the opportunity to share their knowledge with peers. During the summer, the WOW EF is home to undergraduate students from across the country who are selected to participate in our Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program thanks to funding dedicated to NSF-supported facilities such as the WOW EF. REU students learn wind engineering concepts and are involved in the experiments carried out at the WOW. The integration of research into education is not only beneficial for students, but also for teachers. Our Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) program provides an opportunity for 6-12 teachers to participate in an immersive research environment during the summer months to learn about wind effects on structures and mitigation techniques. The RET teachers build upon their research experience to lead the Wind Engineering for STEM Teachers (WEST) Workshop. The WEST workshop is a multi-day training program where RET participants educate 20-30 of their peers on wind-related topics. The RET participants lead their peers in developing hands-on activities and lesson plans that may be leveraged in 6-12 classrooms throughout South Florida and beyond. As part of the suite of programs that straddle formal and informal learning contexts, teams of in-state high school students are invited to participate in a judged competition called “The WOW! Challenge” where they develop innovative mitigation techniques that are tested at the WOW. Student teams prepare a physical test, an oral presentation, and a written technical paper, all which entail problem solving, teamwork, and creativity in STEM topics. Other research-education integration activities carried out by the WOW EF team include collaborations with local museums and science centers, social media outreach, and school visits through the Engineers on Wheels programs. All of these research-based activities engage students in STEM education and wind engineering and inspire them to become the next generation of educators and engineers to address the impact of natural hazards facing their built environment.

Keywords:

Wind engineering research, STEM education, global learning, outreach.