MOON: More Observations Of Nature
Texas Tech University

I.V. STEM Classroom

International Virtual Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Classroom

Purpose:

  • Develop ways to use technologies to engage K-12 and post-secondary learners across the globe in standards-based, best practice science, technology, engineering, and mathematics instruction.
  • Use technologies widely present in most schools, so the activities are equitably accessible, but simultaneously develop procedures that soon will be more generally available.
  • Conduct research and development about these international teaching techniques and uses of technology.

Members:

With faculty from Texas Tech University taking a leadership role, members in the I.V. STEM Classroom are faculty from a variety of institutions, including individuals from:

  • Australian Catholic University
  • Clemson University
  • Indiana University
  • Ohio State University
  • Oklahoma State University
  • Shiga University (Japan)

New Members:

Others sharing a common interest are welcome to join the I.V. STEM Classroom by emailing walter.smith@ttu.edu.

Sample Activities:

In addition to the MOON Project, the I.V. STEM Classroom has also engaged students in the Edible Lunar Vehicle project as described by ABCnews.com and Spacedaily.com.
To teach pre-service teachers to implement design tech­nology in their own future classrooms, American pre-service teachers were paired with sixth graders from Brisbane, Australia.  Each group was challenged to design, build and test a vehicle at least 20 cm long and 10 cm wide, have four wheels that turn, be able to go down a one meter ramp and then travel at least 50 cm, include at least two design features appropriate for lunar exploration . . . and be entirely edible. For two weeks the partners planned their Edible Vehicle
Edible Vehicle vehicle via asynchronous Internet discussions and for two weeks built, tested and revised their vehicles, culminating in a videoconference between the two sites where children and pre-service teachers met for the first time and demoed their vehicles.  A NASA engineer, who had been involved with the original lunar rovers and observed the activities, joined the videoconference to draw par­allels between his lunar rover experience and what the ELV participants had done during the preceding month.  .


The MOON Project has been funded by grants from the Ball State University Diversity Associates Project and NASA.
Last modified 22 December 2006.

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