The Ohio State University Office of Outreach and Engagement recently recognized the STEMcoding initiative, led by Associate Professor of Physics, Dr. Chris Orban and Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Dr. Scott Zimmerman from Ohio State Marion, as 1 of 18 programs university-wide for excellence in engaged scholarship.
The STEMcoding project exists to re-imagine introductory STEM courses with computer science in mind. The project involves three things: (1) fun, interactive coding activities designed for high-school physics, and eventually math and chemistry, (2) professional development to science & math teachers, especially in Ohio, (3) "and partnerships with existing camps to offer “Physics of Video Games” activities for high school students in Columbus, Marion and other parts of Ohio (including the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio).
The goal of recognizing these programs is to support and promote high impact engaged scholarship. The Office of Outreach and Engagement instituted a process to certify programs of excellence in engaged scholarship. The certification process seeks to identify and certify projects annually that demonstrate excellence in community-engaged scholarship and meet the criteria of high-impact engaged scholarship. Congratulations to the 2024 Programs of Excellence in Engaged Scholarship!
According to Orban, The STEM coding program lowers barriers to engagement by creating activities that are free and relevant to schools that serve less affluent student populations.
“Although there are sophisticated tools that could be used to teach data science, the schools we work with appreciate that we are building our curriculum around spreadsheet skills which are valuable for a wide variety of careers,” said Orban.
Zimmerman shared that the most important thing for the STEMcoding project is that as many students as possible should have access to coding and programming skills throughout a variety of subjects.
“A student’s education shouldn’t be limited by the number of licensed computer science teachers their district employs or their school’s ability to purchase expensive software suites,” said Zimmerman.
A key strength of the program, Orban shared, is the way that it bridges university and K12 education culture.
“Rather than dictate what we think should happen in a K12 classroom,” he said, “we try to do the opposite. Sometimes this involves attending K12 conferences or sitting in on classes.”
“It sometimes also involves completely redesigning an activity based on one teacher’s feedback,” Orban added.
“As university professionals, none of us have direct experience teaching in K12 but our relationships with educators have helped us to stay competent and relevant to the K12 sphere,” he said.
To learn more about the STEMcoding project or to reach out to Professors Orban and Zimmerman please see the contact form for the STEMcoding project at: https://u.osu.edu/stemcoding/contact/.
Students who take part are often a part summer camp programs at Ohio State Marion often have the opportunity to participate in STEMcoding activities, visit: https://osumarion.osu.edu/academics/majors/biology/stem-summer-camp to learn more.