WHAT IS THE VIRTUAL ENGINEERING ACADEMY?
The Virtual Engineering Academy (VEA) is a program targeted towards elementary, middle school, and high school classes with the goal to make scientific learning kits available to all students. VEA kits include projects and optional lesson plans that can be implemented into typical class schedules with the guidance of a teacher or educational supervisor.
Our kit subjects can range from weather balloon tracking to CAD modeling and 3D printing, and they vary based on grade level and duration. Facilitators are welcome to start whichever program they’d like whevever they’d like, meaning you are free to teach at your pace.
VEA is the perfect opportunity to get your students’ hands dirty while engaging with scientific tools and data. This program encourages real-world problem solving, so they will have the chance to experience what a real scientific test might look like within the comfort of your classroom.
HOW DO I FACILITATE VEA?
If you are a teacher or educational facilitator interested in VEA, follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to implement our kits and lesson plans into your classroom.
PROGRAMS
Foundations of Engineering and Technology
The Innovative System Project for the Increased Recruitment of Emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Students (InSPIRESS) is an outreach project that provides the opportunity for high school students to develop and design a scientific payload to be accommodated on a spacecraft which is designed by undergraduate students in the UAH IPT project. High school students collaborate with the undergraduate engineering students to understand the engineering requirements, the design process, and the role a customer plays in design. InSPIRESS teams compete for selection by the undergraduate engineering teams.
Applications of Engineering and Technology
The Innovative System Project for the Increased Recruitment of Emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Students (InSPIRESS) is an outreach project that provides the opportunity for high school students to develop and design a scientific payload to be accommodated on a spacecraft which is designed by undergraduate students in the UAH IPT project. High school students collaborate with the undergraduate engineering students to understand the engineering requirements, the design process, and the role a customer plays in design. InSPIRESS teams compete for selection by the undergraduate engineering teams.
STEM Technologies I
The Innovative System Project for the Increased Recruitment of Emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Students (InSPIRESS) is an outreach project that provides the opportunity for high school students to develop and design a scientific payload to be accommodated on a spacecraft which is designed by undergraduate students in the UAH IPT project. High school students collaborate with the undergraduate engineering students to understand the engineering requirements, the design process, and the role a customer plays in design. InSPIRESS teams compete for selection by the undergraduate engineering teams.
STEM Technologies II
The Innovative System Project for the Increased Recruitment of Emerging STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Students (InSPIRESS) is an outreach project that provides the opportunity for high school students to develop and design a scientific payload to be accommodated on a spacecraft which is designed by undergraduate students in the UAH IPT project. High school students collaborate with the undergraduate engineering students to understand the engineering requirements, the design process, and the role a customer plays in design. InSPIRESS teams compete for selection by the undergraduate engineering teams.
STEM Technologies II will be coming soon.
FAQ’s
Must I be from Alabama?
No, the VEA curriculum is specifically targeted toward the Alabama Course of Study, but it is available to all.
Do you supply any supplies/equipment?
No, but most activities can be completed using common household supplies.
Is there a fee associated with participating in VEA?
No.
Is there a specific start or end date?
No. The projects are flexible and can be started/ended to accomodate your existing class plans.
How long does each lesson take?
Foundations of Engineering & Technology: Semester-long
Applications of Engineering & Technology: Semester-long
STEM Technologies I: 9 weeks
STEM Technologies II: 9 weeks
How is the course graded?
Grading will be at the discretion of the teacher. Rubrics and/or solution keys are provided with each assignment.