University-designed middle school science experiences aligned with NGSS

The adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by many U.S. states involves the inclusion of engineering practices in science instruction to equip and prepare K-12 students with sufficient engineering literacy. Engineering and science education faculty members at a research university designed a one-week, 20-hour engineering camp aligned with NGSS and middle school science curricula to measure the efficacy of such programs in developing middle school students' engineering interest and knowledge. Four different projects were designed: 1) a 3D-printed spirograph, 2) a night light, 3) an optical intrusion detection with memory, and 4) a traffic light. Students who participated in the camp (N=56) built and optimized their own take-home electronic devices. Pre- and post-surveys were collected to analyze the students' engineering self-efficacy, knowledge, and engineering skills. Results suggested that students' self-efficacy and beliefs in succeeding in engineering majors and careers increased after their experiences in the camp; they also improved their engineering knowledge and skills (p<.001). The program was aligned with New York State P-12 learning standards and may be replicated and scaled by informal science educators and classroom teachers to improve students' interest in pursuing engineering majors and careers.