Impact of an Inclusive Maker Program on Student Engineering Design-Process Knowledge and Understanding

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  In Roundtable Session: Advancing STEM Education Opportunities for Students With Disabilities (Table 28)

Abstract

Maker programs are an engaging way for youth to pursue their interests while learning the engineering design process (EDP). Although autistic youth often have deep interests in STEM, young autistic adults often have difficulty joining or remaining in the STEM workforce. With the goal of mitigating this gap, a multidisciplinary team created the IDEAS Maker Program. This paper describes how IDEAS supports learners and describes findings from a STEM attitudes survey, EDP assessment, and teacher survey. Maker club students did not experience a change in their STEM attitudes but did increase their knowledge and understanding of the EDP. We discuss limitations and considerations for teachers and schools interested in this approach and researchers of STEM education and inclusion.

Authors

• Ariana Riccio Arista, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Shari L Gardner, SRI International

• Adrienne D. Woods, SRI Education

• Kavitha Murthi, University of Utah

• Dora Dufie Onwumere, New York University

• Wendy B. Martin, Education Development Center, Inc.