News and Events
SUMMER STEM INSTITUTE FOR TEACHERS
The Alabama Transportation Institute (ATI) hosted a transformative Summer STEM Institute for Teachers on June 14th and 15th, bringing together 10 dedicated math and science teachers from Tuscaloosa, Hale, and Greene Counties. This intensive two-day institute was carefully crafted to equip these educators with the tools, strategies, and insights essential for delivering high-quality STEM education in their classrooms. The program placed a strong emphasis on the fundamental concepts and best practices of integrated STEM education, underscoring the importance of making STEM personally relevant and engaging for students."Integrated STEM education offers a powerful framework that not only immerses students in real-world problem-solving but also enhances their critical thinking skills," remarked Dr. Hope Drummonds-Whiteside, a STEM Education Research Specialist.
The first day of the institute provided participants with a deep dive into the benefits of integrating STEM disciplines. Teachers explored the critical role of project-based learning in STEM education and examined successful examples of integrated STEM curriculum models. They also learned strategies for seamlessly incorporating STEM concepts across various subjects, laying a solid foundation for creating more cohesive and engaging learning experiences for their students.
Day two featured an interactive session led by Dr. Mizan Rahman, Assistant Professor. Dr. Rahman shared his pioneering research on cybersecurity and resiliency for connected and automated mobility and provided participants with a tour of his research lab, offering them a glimpse into cutting-edge developments in the field. The remainder of the day was dedicated to developing practical skills for creating authentic, real-world STEM challenges. Teachers engaged in hands-on activities designed to foster inquirybased learning and enhance problem-solving skills among their students. They also explored strategies for integrating community resources into the STEM curriculum and discussed approaches for incorporating local, real-world issues into their STEM projects.
One of the most significant outcomes of the institute was the formation of a Community of Practice. This ongoing collaborative effort will provide continued support to educators as they develop transportation-focused, state standards-aligned curricula for implementation in their classrooms. “By supporting teachers in this manner, we can ensure their success in preparing students for future transportation challenges and careers,” said Dr. Whiteside.
This Community of Practice aims to create a network of educators who can share resources, insights, and experiences, further enriching the STEM learning experience for students across the region.
This institute was made possible through the collaborative efforts of ATI and its partners, including the Center for Regional & Rural Connected Communities (CR2C2) and UA’s Interdisciplinary STEM Education Research Office (ISER), educational institutions, government agencies, and industry stakeholders. These partnerships are committed to empowering young minds and building a brighter future for the transportation workforce in Alabama and beyond.