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Since 1991 the Oregon Space Grant Consortium has supported engineering problem-solving activities for middle school SMILE students (grades 6-8) as part of its mission to develop a strong science, mathematics, and technology education base for precollege through university levels. The Science & Mathematics Investigative Learning Experiences Program (SMILE), a partnership between Oregon State University and 12 Oregon school districts, seeks to provide minority and low-income students with access to higher education through after-school academic enrichment and mentoring.
With support from Oregon Space Grant Consortium, middle school SMILE students from throughout Oregon visit Western Oregon University and Oregon State University each spring for a problem-solving Challenge Event. Past challenges have included the design of a water wheel, a heating and cooling system for a module of a space station, a catapult, a laser communications system, and a crane for lifting hazardous materials.
These events provide a real-world context for the students' learning of content and processes, give students opportunities to learn about and experience college, expose them to career options, and promote positive attitudes toward science, mathematics, and higher education. To solve the challenge, students work cooperatively in small groups while being mentored by university undergraduate students. About 250 students and 30 teachers from 15 middle schools participate in the Challenge Event each year.
Challenges have been designed for SMILE by OSU engineering faculty and, more
recently, by the Northwest Invention Center in partnership with SMILE programs coordinators.
For more information visit The SMILE Program website.
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