Kros

KROS PROJECT ABSTRACT

Integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education within innovative real-life projects engages students in 6th through 12th grade in learning. During the KROS ocean project, at least 140 students from 7 schools will directly participate in field testing alternative energy applications with a custom-designed kite boat and will compete with students in online science challenge questions. The KROS Renewable Energy Voyager project includes both geographical and cultural diversity; participating schools in Washington, Texas, Utah and Colorado include at-risk Title I and IEP students, Gifted and Talented students, and summer enrichment programs with Makah and Ute Native American youths. Active partnership with industry connects the integration of STEM education with careers in design, technology and engineering.

Students are directly involved in the design of KROS (Kites, Rowing, Ocean, Solar) to explore the alternative energy concepts of wind propulsion with kite sails, rowing and human biomechanics, advanced composites engineering and solar electric energy. The objective is to demonstrate the integration of STEM education for each of these sub-topics into the overall project. The student-developed website KROS.US provides information and activities for students as well as educational resources for teachers. During summer field testing in 2008, students in Northwest Washington State will conduct wind energy tests of kite sails using GPS and satellite technology, multi-media computer analysis software and data collection instrumentation. They will gather, analyze information and present results to other students via the KROS project website and press releases. Online students will participate real-time via video-conferences and will answer challenge questions to predict the outcomes for field tests. Five teachers will lead the technology and curriculum for the project; the project lead is Rory Wilson, a mathematics teacher and the primary science team lead is Bev Devore who is also President of CAST. (Colorado Association of Science Teachers) During the school year, KROS will be exhibited at participating schools, be demonstrated via video-conferences; multi-media, standards-based lessons will be available online to teachers for core classroom activities.

During the second summer session in 2009, solar electric energy will be the focus for student enrichment activities. One-day student workshops will be conducted at participating schools and include a demonstration module and solar-energy curriculum. Industry experts will participate with students via videoconferencing; activities will also include online tours and podcasts of commercial solar arrays, wind farms and advanced electrical propulsion systems on ocean-drilling and research ships. Students will compare non-renewable fuel engine technology with electric propulsion systems using KROS and hybrid vehicles as demonstration platforms.

The broader aspects of integrating STEM education includes awareness of alternative energy topics, cultural exposure for students from inland and coastal schools, as well as linking future careers for students in ocean sciences, education, energy, emerging technology and design. Additionally, KROS will deliver advanced learning technology directly into school classroom activities for students.

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