The Value of STEM Education

1. The Value of STEM Education/Preparation Dr. Thomas E. PinelliUniversity Affairs OfficerNASA Langley Research CenterTelephone: 757.864.2491Email: thomas.e.pinelli@nasa.gov

2. Outline NASA Langley Research Center STEM Pipeline Model Limitations/Weaknesses Building Capacity � Systemic Initiatives K-12 Engineering � Mentoring Opportunities for High School Students Workshops for Pre-Service Teachers Research Experiences for K-12 STEM Teachers Faculty Development for Community College Faculty Concluding Remarks GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment

3. Slide 3 (Langley at a Glance) Our FY09 Budget is ~$705M with an additional anticipated ~$45M in external business Langley is a technology gateway. Our facility is comprised of about 240 buildings located on over 780 acres. Our wind tunnels, laser labs, landing dynamics facilities, electromagnetic labs and other unique facilities are national resources. Langley takes pride in its extensive wind tunnel complex, one of the largest of its kind in the world. We have test capabilities for all speed regimes from subsonic to hypersonic. But it�s not just our facilities that are a national asset. Our workforce is comprised of ~ 1890 Civil Servants, ~1600 Contractors (on/near-site), and ~ 250 students Langley�s scientists, researchers and engineers investigate technical problems and create solutions. Their work is documented in over 1,200 patents and hundreds of inventions. Langley contributes to all aspects of NASA�s mission � Exploration, space operations, science and aeronautics. Our role is to provide solutions, to develop technologies that will help power the future. From a programmatic perspective our budget is Slide 3 (Langley at a Glance) Our FY09 Budget is ~$705M with an additional anticipated ~$45M in external business Langley is a technology gateway. Our facility is comprised of about 240 buildings located on over 780 acres. Our wind tunnels, laser labs, landing dynamics facilities, electromagnetic labs and other unique facilities are national resources. Langley takes pride in its extensive wind tunnel complex, one of the largest of its kind in the world. We have test capabilities for all speed regimes from subsonic to hypersonic. But it�s not just our facilities that are a national asset. Our workforce is comprised of ~ 1890 Civil Servants, ~1600 Contractors (on/near-site), and ~ 250 students Langley�s scientists, researchers and engineers investigate technical problems and create solutions. Their work is documented in over 1,200 patents and hundreds of inventions. Langley contributes to all aspects of NASA�s mission � Exploration, space operations, science and aeronautics. Our role is to provide solutions, to develop technologies that will help power the future. From a programmatic perspective our budget is

4. Slide 4 (NASA Langley Core Competencies) NASA Langley Research Center�s core competencies provide expertise to the Nation in Aerosciences, Structures & Materials, Characterization of Atmospheres, Systems Analysis, and Engineering & Safety We offer a fully integrated set of core competencies - a unique capability that we believe is a national asset � and for which we have a strong sense of stewardship. Aerosciences capability provides simulation and testing in diverse atmospheres, such as Earth�s and Mars�. We can create and evaluate advanced concepts with systems analysis (check a design for how all the parts, such as mechanical, electrical, computer software, work together; how all the systems of an instrument, aircraft, spacecraft, or satellite work together), systems engineering (design an instrument, aircraft, spacecraft, or satellite with multiple complex systems), simulation, technology development, technology demonstration, and infusion into air and space flight and operations. We work collaboratively with other NASA Centers, industry, universities, and international partners to advance concepts to useable reliable components. We usually focus on early stages of system definition and technology advancement. Typically not flight hardware developer, except for technology demonstrations, but LaRC provided support during design, development, and operations for Shuttle return to flight. Systems Analysis provides full range of discipline expertise to develop advanced concepts and architectures by using system and subsystem design techniques for break-through concepts, honest broker analysis for technology investment and informed decision-making. Areas of discipline expertise: Mission Architectures & Systems Concepts: conception, development, and planning Systems Concept Development & Technology Assessment: develop aircraft and spacecraft concepts within mission architectures; identify technologies for performance, cost and safety; and Advanced Analysis and Design Method Development (cutting edge tools). Atmospheric science, provides technology, and systems engineering and integration capabilities for new remote sensing techniques and measurements that lead to new scientific knowledge of earth and other planetary atmospheres. We have expertise for the Agency in 2-micron lasers Structures & Materials Expertise in advanced structural and material concepts, radiation protection, large space structures, durability and damage tolerance, nondestructive evaluation, and smart, self-healing materials and systems that are crucial to exploration goals. Langley�s researchers recognize the close relationship of aeronautics and space applications and adapt the techniques of one discipline for use in the other.Slide 4 (NASA Langley Core Competencies) NASA Langley Research Center�s core competencies provide expertise to the Nation in Aerosciences, Structures & Materials, Characterization of Atmospheres, Systems Analysis, and Engineering & Safety We offer a fully integrated set of core competencies - a unique capability that we believe is a national asset � and for which we have a strong sense of stewardship. Aerosciences capability provides simulation and testing in diverse atmospheres, such as Earth�s and Mars�. We can create and evaluate advanced concepts with systems analysis (check a design for how all the parts, such as mechanical, electrical, computer software, work together; how all the systems of an instrument, aircraft, spacecraft, or satellite work together), systems engineering (design an instrument, aircraft, spacecraft, or satellite with multiple complex systems), simulation, technology development, technology demonstration, and infusion into air and space flight and operations. We work collaboratively with other NASA Centers, industry, universities, and international partners to advance concepts to useable reliable components. We usually focus on early stages of system definition and technology advancement. Typically not flight hardware developer, except for technology demonstrations, but LaRC provided support during design, development, and operations for Shuttle return to flight. Systems Analysis provides full range of discipline expertise to develop advanced concepts and architectures by using system and subsystem design techniques for break-through concepts, honest broker analysis for technology investment and informed decision-making. Areas of discipline expertise: Mission Architectures & Systems Concepts: conception, development, and planning Systems Concept Development & Technology Assessment: develop aircraft and spacecraft concepts within mission architectures; identify technologies for performance, cost and safety; and Advanced Analysis and Design Method Development (cutting edge tools). Atmospheric science, provides technology, and systems engineering and integration capabilities for new remote sensing techniques and measurements that lead to new scientific knowledge of earth and other planetary atmospheres. We have expertise for the Agency in 2-micron lasers Structures & Materials Expertise in advanced structural and material concepts, radiation protection, large space structures, durability and damage tolerance, nondestructive evaluation, and smart, self-healing materials and systems that are crucial to exploration goals. Langley�s researchers recognize the close relationship of aeronautics and space applications and adapt the techniques of one discipline for use in the other.

5. The Value of STEM Education/Preparation GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment

6. Pipeline Model Limitations and Weaknesses Used for several decades Models a process that is not linear Emphasizes supply measures, not demand Not a prediction model Does not account for varied career paths, exists, and re-entry Many factors affect the number of students who ultimately pursue STEM careers Pipeline model does not account for �changing� factors GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment

7. Need to transition to a dynamic, interactive (systems-based) model � See Raytheon and Business Higher-Education Forum Enable educators and policymakers to see and understand and respond to the overall system See how effects, impacts, and changes in one part of the system flow through and Impact the other parts of the system or how changes propagate through time GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment Pipeline Model Limitations/Weaknesses, cont.

8. Building Capacity � Systemic Initiatives Working with our Partners to Create Mentoring Opportunities for Area High School Students Sponsor Pre-Service Teachers Workshops Create Research Experiences for K-12 STEM Teachers Create Faculty Development Opportunities for Virginia Community College Faculty GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment

9. Concluding Remarks The competitive status of the United States (and VA) is inextricably linked to innovation just as innovation is inseparable from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics The transformation of new knowledge into products, processes, and services of value to society is critical to competitiveness, long-term productivity growth, and an improved quality of life To stay competitive in innovation requires that the United States (and VA) produce a 21st century workforce complete with requisite education, training, skills, and motivation GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment

10. Concluding Remarks, cont. 21st Century learning -- specific skills http://www.p21.org Adaptability � the ability and willingness to cope with uncertain, new, and challenging assignments Communications � the ability to effectively process and interpret both verbal and non-verbal information and instructions Non-routine problem-solving � the ability to examine and interpret a broad spectrum of verbal and non-verbal information and develop solutions Self-management, self-development � the ability to work autonomously and in groups; to be a leader and to be led; to be self-motivating Systems thinking � the ability to understand how an entire system works; how an action, change, or malfunction in one part of a system affects the rest of the system GOVERNOR�S COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION � Reform, Innovation, and Investment