Publication

An authentic learning environment with the integration of technology can effectively engage students and improve their academic performance. Technology can support learning situations that relate to real life, and provide opportunities for inquiry and collaboration, fostering engagement. This paper will provide details of an authentic learning environment that utilizes flight simulation software to engage middle school students in the learning of several math and science concepts. Active learning lessons were developed using missions flown on the flight simulator. The pedagogical approach was implemented in a one-week long summer camp for students from rural counties with low socio-economic status. Data on student attitudes towards STEM was collected using a 65-item questionnaire. The performance on the content taught during the camp was also measured. The pre-post data analysis indicated positive impact of the approach. The results of this study will be included in this paper. This work is supported by NSF Grant# 1614249.