In the first year of our exciting partnership with MathWorks, e4usa is thrilled to share the successful launch of our pilot curriculum this fall. The e4usa+Programming course is now being implemented in four schools by four dedicated teachers, with 55 students enrolled and actively engaging in programming and engineering design activities.
About the e4usa+Programming Course
The e4usa+Programming course equips students with essential 21st-century programming knowledge and skills. Using MATLAB, a powerful programming and computing platform utilized by millions of engineers and academic institutions worldwide, students explore algorithmic thinking and computational problem-solving through the lens of engineering design. This course aims to align with Computer Science learning standards developed by the Computer Science Teacher Association (CSTA), which are widely adopted in career and technical education programs across the country.
Students in the course engage deeply with the Advanced Placement (AP) Computer Science Principles “Big Ideas” framework, covering topics such as:
- Creative Development
- Data, Algorithms, and Programming
- Computer Systems and Networks
- The Impact of Computing
Through this interdisciplinary approach, students practice Computational Thinking and Engineering Design, developing a robust design portfolio that documents their progress and projects. Students are doing the Create Performance Task from AP Computer Science Principles but doing it while completing a MyDesign engineering design portfolio common to all e4usa classes. This integration reinforces the connection between engineering and computer science, fostering a deeper understanding of both disciplines.
Professional Development for Teachers
The success of this initiative stems from the commitment and expertise of the e4usa team and its partners. Over the summer, participating teachers attended professional development workshops led by e4usa’s professional learning team, our curriculum lead, Dr. Ken Reid, and Dr. Cheryl Beauchamp. These workshops prepared educators to bring innovative and hands-on learning experiences to their classrooms. Our professional development has continued throughout the academic year as the pilot teachers work through the curriculum, and together, they are iterating and perfecting the course.
Hands-On Projects and Real-World Applications
Teachers and students in the e4usa+Programming course have already worked on creative and engaging projects that bring programming concepts to life. Highlights include:
- Students programming a Treasure Hunt game using MATLAB.
- Classroom activities where students used algorithms to teach their peers how to make a PB&J sandwich.
These activities emphasize the connection between programming, algorithmic thinking, and engineering design, showcasing programming as another powerful tool for solving engineering problems more efficiently and effectively. By integrating programming into their engineering toolboxes, students learn to approach challenges with a combination of computational and design strategies, enabling them to innovate and solve problems from multiple perspectives. These projects provide students with a unique and hands-on perspective on problem-solving and innovation, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.
“It has been a really great opportunity to get MATLAB involved in my course because it directly links into engineering disciplines in college. Many of my past students have come back saying that they wished they had seen MATLAB before college, and this course has given me the framework to get this instruction and knowledge into my students before they leave for college,” shared Arren Buck, an e4usa teacher from Sandia Prep in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Pathways to College and Career Readiness
One of the most significant aspects of the e4usa+Programming course is its alignment with both college and career readiness goals. Students in this course are eligible to:
- Sit for the AP Computer Science Principles exam.
- Earn an industry-recognized credential in MATLAB through the MATLAB Associates Exam, boosting their career prospects in engineering and technology fields.
These opportunities are key to e4usa’s workforce development efforts, helping students gain skills and certifications that are valuable in today’s job market.
Collaboration with Industry and University Liaisons
The success of the e4usa+Programming course is further enhanced by the engagement of industry partners and university faculty who serve as liaisons. These liaisons provide mentorship, real-world insights, and support for students and teachers. This year, we are proud to have liaisons from leading organizations, including Google, actively participating in the program. Additionally, university liaisons from institutions such as Duke University, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Maryland are contributing their expertise. These liaisons, many of whom are actively engaged in cutting-edge research, bring invaluable perspectives and resources to the classroom, enriching the learning experience for both teachers and students.
Looking Ahead
As e4usa continues to grow, the e4usa+Programming course exemplifies our mission to make engineering education accessible and impactful. We look forward to seeing how our partnership with MathWorks evolves, enabling even more students to develop critical programming and engineering skills while exploring pathways to higher education and careers in STEM fields. We’re so excited to open the e4usa+Programming course to more students in the years to come!
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