To improve STEM education in Indiana schools, the Center for P-16 Research and Collaboration in the School of Education at Indiana University, in partnership with DirectEmployers Institute, developed Workplace Simulation Projects (WSPs) to synergize collaborations between schools and industry by utilizing industry-aligned tasks and STEM professional volunteers in classrooms. WSPs actively engage students in problem-based learning and critical thinking skills and enhance student STEM content knowledge, awareness, and interest. WSPs are interdisciplinary projects that engage students in daily classroom curriculum and are aligned to state and national learning standards. To date, WSPs have been implemented in partnership with the following industries: life science, defense, healthcare, and hospitality.
For more information on WSPs including research, results, and lessons learned, check out the following WSP Slide Presentation.
WSP press coverage:
Washington High School Kicksoff Workplace Simulation Project, WTHI-TV
Loogootee High School Students Build Defense Robots, Indiana Public Media
Bloomfield Students Complete NSWC Crane Workplace Simulation Project, NAVSEA News
Loogootee High School Workplace Simulation Project a Success, IU Media
Workplace Simulation Program Growing, Inside Indiana Business
Washington Students Complete Workplace Simulation Projects, WTHI-TV
LHS Students Complete Workplace Simulation Project, Washington Times Herald
For more complete information regarding the defense industry or hospitality industry WSPs, please click the links below.