Safe-D: Safety through Disruption

K-12 STEM Program: Exploring the Science of Retroreflectivity

 

Abstract

According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations are growing faster than other occupations. However, U.S. students’ math and science scores are lagging behind other developing countries. In addition, in-class academic concepts can seem abstract with little relevance to a student’s life. There is a need for in-class curriculum that links academic concepts with real-world STEM applications.

Over the past 10 years, Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) researchers have developed many educational activities for elementary and middle school students (K-8) that provide an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and insight into what transportation engineering and other STEM careers have to offer. In 2011, a TTI researcher taught approximately 300 fifth graders about the scientific principles behind reflection, refraction, and retroreflectivity through a brief history of sign sheeting, hands-on activities, and a laboratory exercise. This educational development project will take these initial in-class activities that show real-world applications, link them to academic concepts and standards, and create curriculum and associated materials that can be used by teachers and other professionals across the nation. To get the students thinking about the future of transportation, the relationship between traffic control devices (e.g., signs and pavement markings) and automated vehicles will also be included in the curriculum.

Project Highlights

Coming Soon!

Final Report

TTI-01-05 Final Research Report (PDF)

EWD & T2 Products

Coming Soon!

Presentations/Publications

Coming Soon!

EWD & T2 Products

Curriculum and Associated Materials

Research Investigators (PI*)

Melisa Finley*
Sue Chrysler

Project Information

Start Date: 2017-04-01
End Date: 2022-06-22
Status: Active
Grant Number: 69A3551747115
Total Funding: $109,465
Source Organization: Safe-D National UTC
Project Number: TTI-01-05

Safe-D Theme Areas

Big Data Analytics

Safe-D Application Areas

Operations and Design

More Information

RiP URL
UTC Project Information Form

Sponsor Organization

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology
University Transportation Centers Program
Department of Transportation
Washington, DC 20590 United States

Performing Organization

Texas A&M University
Texas A&M Transportation Institute
3135 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3135
USA