Exchange: Engineering is Elementary Lessons that Highlight Sustainability

Sharlene Yang is the professional development director for the Engineering is Elementary project. She has ten plus years of experience as both a science educator and researcher that includes teaching biology, environmental outreach education, and research in biopsychology. Prior to joining the EiE team, Sharlene was a founding teacher at an alternative school for ”at risk” teens; she understands the challenges of working with children that struggle in a mainstream school environment and the importance of creating a classroom that fosters inquiry and student-centered learning. With that in mind, Sharlene conducts teacher professional development that not only teaches content, but models strong science pedagogy so that elementary school teachers can experience for themselves the power of inquiry-based and openended learning. Sharlene received her B.A. in Biology and Psychology from Cornell University, her M.S. in Biopsychology from the University of Michigan, and her M.A.T. in Science Education from Tufts University.