Mobilizing the Next
Generation of Engineers
2018-2024
Project Description
Designing Our Tomorrow: Mobilizing the Next Generation of Engineers was a 6-year, National Science Foundation-funded Innovations in Development project, carried out between 2018-2024 by the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) and its partners: Adelante Mujeres, the Biomimicry Institute, and the Fleet Science Center.
Because we want families to see how nature can inspire us to solve challenges in innovative ways, the project included an exhibition where families can exercise engineering learning together at design challenges that promote sustainable design and biomimicry practices. Building on previous informal education projects, Designing Our Tomorrow developed a framework for creating exhibit-based engineering design challenges and expand an existing model of facilitation for engineering exhibits.
To help dismantle barriers to equity and access, this project focuses on girls ages 9-14 and their families, and is co-developed with culturally responsive strategies to ensure the inclusion and influence of Latino communities.
Partners
Funder
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. DRL-1811617. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.