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Technological fields, like engineering, are in desperate need of more qualified workers, yet not enough students are pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) that would prepare them for technical careers. Unfortunately, many students have no interest in STEM careers, particularly engineering, because they are not exposed to topics in these fields during their K-12 studies. Most K-12 teachers have not been trained to integrate relevant STEM topics into their classroom teaching and curriculum materials. This article explores best practices for bringing engineering into the science and mathematics curriculum of secondary school classrooms by describing a project that utilizes concepts representing the merger of medicine, robotics, and information technology. Specific examples demonstrating the integration into the teaching of physics, biology, and chemistry are provided. Also considered are the critical issues of professional development for classroom teachers, improved preparation of future teachers of STEM, and the development of curriculum materials that address state and national content standards. (Contains 1 table.)

Students are using the Internet as a primary source of information when researching topics for reports, presentations, or research. Because of the vast amount of data currently available, students need assistance developing an approach to gather this information. Without a proper plan on how to obtain information, they will waste countless hours, and become very frustrated at the process. This paper will describe several methods for searching for technical information on the Internet, as related to both electrical engineering and electrical and computer engineering technology (ECET). These methods were presented to students in several ECET classes at New Jersey Institute of Technology. The students were then required to develop presentations on technical topics within their discipline, using several of the sites described in this paper. This paper will also suggest a hierarchy in using these various methods, depending on the type of search required. While the initial concept in developing these techniques was to present a method for student information gathering on the Internet, the author has used many of these techniques for class lectures, as well as research topics. Therefore, the techniques presented in this paper are also pertinent to faculty research and teaching. Index Terms--Internet, metasearch engines, research, undergraduate.

Many K-12 educators approach STEM disciplines as if each one (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) exist in isolation from each other integrate the content and skills of the disciplines that can engage students on many levels. STEM education is meant to be an interdisciplinary area of study that integrates the four disciplines rather than achieving skills and knowledge independently in each subject area. This paper examines the several attempts to define STEM and discusses the basics and issues related to the implementation of STEM programs and how engineering is a suitable vehicle for development and implementation of STEM programs, whether the focus of the course is science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. The value of the Next Generation Science Standards in this endeavor will be detailed. In addition, the paper will examine the relevance of STEM Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]