1. Improving STEM Education Awareness via Math, Science, and Robotics Club Activities in a K-12 Environment Faruk Taban, Ph.D. Western Nevada College Murat Yuksel, Ph.D. University of Nevada, Reno Erdinc Acar, M.Sc. Coral Academy of Science ASEE Rocky Mountain Section Conference Colorado State University, Pueblo April 18-19, 2008

2. School’s History Charter concept Motivation Founded in 1999 Math, Science and Technology emphasis ‘High achieving’ recognition from the State Accredited

3. Survey Previously, surveyed only Robotics teams Total of 32 students Extracurricular activities involvement FLL Robotics (Middle) FRC Robotics (High) Math Counts and Math League Science Olympiads Science and Engineering Fairs

4. Survey results Most of the students had fun, challenged and learnt in STEM

5. Majority of students expressed that they had a better understanding in STEM

6. Almost all participants are planning to pursue STEM education in the college (except 2 students out of 32)

7. Their selection of college major was mostly affected by the club activities 19% had no interest in STEM before CAS 90% had a very good experience with the activities

8. Participants per grade 38% Female

9. Somewhat similar to the district demographics

10. CONCLUSION Pleased to observe more awareness to STEM education at the school

11. Questions, Comments? Faruk Taban, Ph.D. ftaban@wnc.edu 775-445 3299