Problem Based Learning In Sustainable Technologies: Increasing The Stem Pipeline

In this paper, we present the “Problem Based Learning for Sustainable Technologies: Increasing the STEM Pipeline” or “STEM PBL” project, a new three-year National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF-ATE) project of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) aimed at increasing the STEM pipeline through problem-based learning (PBL) focused on sustainable technologies. We will discuss how the STEM PBL project team is partnering with industry and research universities who are breaking new ground in sustainable “green” technologies to create a comprehensive series of multimedia PBL instructional materials designed to engage secondary and post-secondary students in real world problem solving with a focus on sustainable technologies. Professional development for teachers and faculty in PBL instructional methods using the STEM PBL materials as well as the development of an online course for in-service STEM teachers and a classroom-based course for pre-service STEM teachers will be discussed. Descriptions and examples of the new multimedia STEM PBL instructional materials will also be presented.