A Framework for Quality K-12 Engineering Education: Research and Development

Recent U.S. national documents have laid the foundation for highlighting the connection between science, technology, engineering and mathematics at the K-12 level. However, there is not a clear definition or a well-established tradition of what constitutes a quality engineering education at the K-12 level. The purpose of the current work has been the development of a framework for describing what constitutes a quality K-12 engineering education. The framework presented in this paper is the result of a research project focused on understanding and identifying the ways in which teachers and schools implement engineering and engineering design in their classrooms. The development of the key indicators that are included in the framework were determined based on an extensive review of the literature, established criteria for undergraduate and professional organizations, document content analysis of state academic content standards in science, mathematics, and technology, and in consultation with experts in the fields of engineering and engineering education. The framework is designed to be used as a tool for evaluating the degree to which academic standards, curricula, and teaching practices address the important components of a quality K-12 engineering education. Additionally, this framework can be used to inform the development and structure of future K-12 engineering and STEM education standards and initiatives

Confirmation of Photoacidic Quantum Dots Using Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy

This thesis describes the first demonstration of a quantum dot photoacid. Photoacids are a class of molecules with a protic bond that is weakened upon photo-excitation. CdSe quantum dots were synthesized and were made to have mixed-ligand surfaces with a majority of water-solubilizing sulfonate functional groups and fewer acidic electron-donor functional groups, notably 4-mercaptophenol (MPh). Sulfonate groups are very acidic and therefore remain charged over a wide range of pH values. Through judicious choice of synthesis and ligand-exchange conditions, water-solubilizing 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (MES) was introduced in addition to an equal concentration of protic and dipolar MPh groups. The electronic states of surface-bound MPh groups are such that they can serve as electron-transfer donors to excited-state CdSe quantum dots. The challenge to characterize the photoacidity of this class of chromophores is that the charge-separated CdSe– and MPh+ state does not efficiently emit photons. Therefore, a recently developed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy technique was studied in great detail to understand the cause of observed changes in impedance and then utilized to definitively demonstrate that this new class of quantum dot dyes were photoacidic. This light-driven energy conversion process is uniquely suited to convert light into ionic power, which can be used for direct desalination of saltwater

Slavery In Early Christianity

https://works.swarthmore.edu/alum-books/1790/thumbnail.jp

Corporal Knowledge: Early Christian Bodies

https://works.swarthmore.edu/alum-books/1791/thumbnail.jp

Risk assessment and management for providers of community-based rehabilitation to people with acquired brain injury: Health professionals' perspectives

This study aimed to explore health professionals' perspectives regarding the presence, assessment and management of risks when providing community-based rehabilitation (CBR) to clients with acquired brain injury (ABI).A qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews of health professionals working in CBR.The main themes were: (1) risk assessment in CBR settings is an informal, unstructured, complex, multi-phase and cyclical process extending over a period of time; (2) structured and standardised risk assessments were not considered ideal for use in CBR services catering for people with ABI; (3) CBR services face numerous challenges in providing effective risk assessment and management; (4) the risks encountered by health professionals in CBR settings are not always predictable or preventable; and (5) CBR risk management focuses on implementing a range of practical strategies.A flexible risk assessment process supported by a range of practical risk management strategies to minimise and manage potential risks is advocated by health professionals working in CBR services for people with ABI. There is a need for more research into the effectiveness of current risk assessment and management strategies for CBR services