AC 2007-2858: ARCHIMEDES PROJECT HAWAII INVENTION FACTORY: REAL-LIFE AND HANDS-ON PROJECTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL AND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

The Archimedes Project, Hawaii, under the auspices of the Research & Development of the University of Hawaii, hosts introductory programs for middle, high school and college students to stimulate their interests in science, technology and math through hands-on, inquiry-led, project-based activities. Recently, the Archimedes Hawaii Project was awarded a National Science Foundation grant to develop a concept called The Invention Factory. This project is an after school program that introduces fundamental technical skills and concepts to middle and high school students through a series of fun projects as budding inventors. The engaging platform aligns pre-engineering concepts with the Hawaiian community values of giving. This paper will profile the first year where the initial recruitment goal of 150 students was exceeded by recruiting 161. Electronic toys were modified for disabled children and donated to local charitable organizations for distribution (like Easter Seals and Shriners Hospital). Participating students not only fulfilled service project requirements but enjoyed the activities, with several students returning as peer mentors in subsequent sessions. Workshops provide reinforcement of math and science concepts through relevance and application. Curriculum is also tied to the Hawaii DOE standards for level 8 th grade through 12 th . Facilitators, curriculum, supplies and tools are all provided by The Invention Factory staff. Workshops are conducted in 2 sessions: one during the Fall and the other during Spring. Each session includes 6-8 workshops, one every other week for the duration of each session. Maximum number of students per workshop is 15-20. Program partners include the Women in Technology Project and isisHawaii (a local organization devoted to providing mentors—“i” for “internet”, “sis” for “sisters”—to high school girls interested in STEM), who have provided recruitment and gender and cultural equity counsel. This has assured strong female and minority enrollments. The paper will discuss the formative program evaluation results, findings and recommendations for further implementation and replication.