VaNTH ERC for Bioengineering Educational Technologies

Bioengineering Teaching Modules Improve Precollege Science Test Scores

The Vanderbilt-Northwestern-Texas-Harvard/MIT (VaNTH) Engineering Research Center for Bioengineering Educational Technologies has as its main goal to develop an effective work force in bioengineering.

In the last year, the VaNTH ERC has worked to raise the interest and awareness of middle and high school students in bioengineering by working with teachers to develop materials that present scientific principles through real-world examples.

These modules were based around the electrocardiogram, the biomechanics of balance as well as gymnastics, the optics of LASIK eye surgery, and energy systems of the body as seen through the study of swimming, metabolism, and medical imaging. A new module has been added that illustrates fluid dynamics through a study of hemodynamics.

These modules were implemented in high school physics and biology classrooms in one private school, two public magnet schools, and two public comprehensive schools. A statistical analysis of students' test results before and after the modules showed that they improve learning on basic science questions.

These modules have been developed in Nashville, Chicago, and Austin public schools, and they were presented at national meetings such as the American Institute of Medical and Biological Engineering as examples of how to improve science learning in precollege students. The Center is presenting the modules to additional teachers through workshops and expects to extend the program to large school systems in Texas and California in the near future.

To learn more about this topic:
Visit the VaNTH ERC for Bioengineering Educational Technologies web site at http://www.vanth.org/k12.html

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Last modified: April 2, 2006