1. MnDOT Role in STEM Development with Stillwater Schools
Kevin Western, PE
MnDOT
SCC Design Manager

2. Project Objectives Help students love engineering
Create hands-on experiences for area students/communities
Direct connection to project and workers
Long-term: Create a curriculum program that can be used for 8-10 years in Minnesota and Wisconsin

3. What Schools Told Us Hands-on Let teachers define the needs
Break down barriers
Broader than STEM
Schools are resource-strapped
Access to project site
Let teachers define the needs
Live/recorded project work
Benefit all grades
Mentorships
Problem-solution formats

4. Project Assets Professional staff — we are mobile We love engineering
Evolving project site
Extensive materials
Multiple project challenges
Extended design/construction timetable
Mentorship structure
Ability to generate public interest
National contacts

5. Project Elements St. Croix Crossing in Schools
Project engineers presenting to school groups
Information for teachers and students
Project site tours via paddle boats
Mentorship
Curriculum program

6. St Croix Crossing in Schools
If they ask, we try to attend
Over two dozen education related presentations to date
Engineers from SCC, MnDOT Bridge Office, WisDOT
Project team’s role:
Logistics
Scheduling

7. Project Site Tours Experiential for students this summer
St Croix Boat & Packet Co. willing to host school tours at lower rate
Challenges
Space limitations
Satisfying different grades
Project team’s role
Outreach to school districts (Jan. 2015)
Scheduling, Logistics, including speakers

8. Mentorships
Connect high school students with mentor engineers from WisDOT and MnDOT
Past interest from high school students
Project team’s role
Outreach to school districts (Jan. 2015)
Resource list
Other civil areas as well

9. Why Curriculum Program?
Viable long term
Local interest in Bridge construction
Landmark bridge – long term interest
Unique approach – teachers and engineers working together
True partnership with local schools
Best way to inspire young engineers