Science and Mechatronics Aided Research for Teachers with an Entrepreneurship Experience (SMARTER)
The project objectives are as follows:
- Introduce the multidisciplinary field of mechatronics to teachers using a structured and integrated learning environment, consisting of training, mentoring, and real-world collaborative engineering research, to renew their science, math, and research skills.
- Provide teachers with experience, skills, and resources in hands-on, engineering research and entrepreneurship, including prototype product development, so that they can
- integrate project-based learning in their science and math curriculum;
- enhance school labs by integrating real-world technology used by scientists and engineers;
- improve their research, communication, presentation, and business skills; and
- inspire their students to pursue careers in STEM and create technology ventures.
- Conduct a student idea competition and create a summer internship program for high school students.
- Enable undergraduate and graduate researchers to develop communication and leadership skills and a deeper appreciation of STEM disciplines through participation in training and mentoring of teachers.
- Enable project personnel to integrate their research, teaching, curriculum and lab development, and outreach activities.
- Strengthen ties between NYU Tandon School of Engineering, NYC schools, start-up businesses, and philanthropic organizations.
- Assess program activities and disseminate program outcomes.