Integration of NASA related science, research and activities in stem curriculum goals: (1) to increase students' skill sets in analytical reasoning and knowledge acquisition in stem related…

Integration of NASA related science, research and activities in stem curriculum goals: (1) to increase students' skill sets in analytical reasoning and knowledge acquisition in stem related disciplines; (2) to provide opportunities for under-represented stem students to be exposed to applied experiences in NASA themed mathematics and science; and (3) to infuse research and project management skills into stem curricula through the undergraduate research program. Objectives: (1) to improve curricula by strengthening NASA-related science and mathematics instruction. The course descriptions or syllabi for introduction to engineering, linear algebra, data analysis, analytical chemistry and special topics in chemistry will be modified to include topics on one or more of NASA s mission directorates (aeronautics, exploration systems, science, and space operations) and related research activities. At least 10% of class time will be allocated to NASA-related research activities. (2) to increase the number of traditionally under-represented students exposed to NASA related science, mathematics, and engineering research through collaborations for future educational initiatives with NASA s educational programs at marshall space flight center, AL and kennedy space center. FL (3) to partner with orangeburg-calhoun technical college. A two-year minority-serving institution to develop an experiential enrichment program to enable students from OC tech to do research with the project team at claflin. Outcomes: (i) 75% of students in encr 102, math 212, stat 401. Chem 201 and chem 200 will demonstrate improved skills in analytical reasoning and critical thinking at the end of the courses by earning passing scores and scoring higher on the post-test than the pre-test. (2) instructors will incorporate NASA-oriented mathematics, science and research experiences into syllabi for the proposed courses. (3) 80% of students in the program will demonstrate an increased knowledge and understanding of NASA-related research concepts and skills by integrating these concepts into their final research projects or theses. (4) findings will be disseminated at professional meetings and scholarly journals.