AMPS graduate fellowship application now available here.
Recent News
February 29, 2008: An article on the "New, GK12: Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science (AMPS)" project is available on the Poly website.
February 27, 2008: Under the GK-12 Fellows program, Division of Graduate Education of
the National Science Foundation has awarded Polytechnic University a
grant titled "New, GK12: Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science
(AMPS)." This award provides funding in the amount $600,000/year.
Under NSF's continuing award instrument, the project duration is
expected to be five years. Professor Vikram Kapila, will serve as the
PI and director of the AMPS project. The Co-PIs of the AMPS project
include Professor Magued G. Iskander and Professor Noel N. Kriftcher.
In addition, the following Polytechnic faculty will serve as the
senior
personnel
on the AMPS project: Professor Dariusz
Czarkowski, Professor Rastislav Levicky, and Professor Maurizio
Porfiri.
Description
AMPS is a collaborative relationship between Polytechnic University and six New York City middle schools involving professors, graduate Fellows, and middle school faculty. An array of exciting activities will (1) engage middle school students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) studies through mechatronics-enabled science labs and robotics competitions; (2) entice students to pursue STEM education and careers; and (3) provide technology literacy and professional development to teachers.
AMPS will enrich graduate education of 9 Fellows, annually, by enabling them to seamlessly integrate their mechatronics and robotics focused education and research into middle school curriculum. Fellows will use mechatronics-enabled science labs and robotics-based lesson plans to engage middle school students in hands-on scientific explorations. This will allow Fellows to develop a deeper understanding of STEM concepts and their research and an ability to recognize connections between their research and societal needs. Moreover, the project will impart pedagogical, communication, leadership, and team-building skills to Fellows. Finally, AMPS will encourage cross-pollination of education research and technical concepts among the university and school faculty.
The broader impacts of AMPS include: (1) reinforcing STEM education of a diverse and underserved inner-city student body and preparing them for higher education and productive careers; (2) addressing the educational needs of the emerging innovation economy by developing technology-enhanced STEM instruction and lab infrastructure; and (3) broadening Polytechnic's ties with local school districts to sustain and grow its outreach activities.
Link to NSF Award Page:
http://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward.do?AwardNumber=0741714