COOKEVILLE, Tenn. (Aug. 28, 2009) — One of the most celebrated construction projects in Tennessee Tech University history is about 50 percent complete, and the design will play an important part in the way Upper Cumberland students learn about science- and engineering-related topics.

As Ray Morris Hall moves toward completion in early 2010, the Millard Oakley Center for Teaching and Learning in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics has welcomed a new two-year interim director. Sally Pardue, an associate professor of mechanical engineering, expects to lead the Oakley Center into its full potential.

“What sparks kids’ interest in science and math? That’s the question the building and the center is designed to help us answer,” said Pardue. “The building offers unique learning facilities created and equipped for experiences in math and science.”

Though the Georgian architecture on the outside blends with TTU’s campus motif, the building’s interior is anything but traditional.

“We’ll have interpretive space, inspirational space that will stimulate students to ask questions,” said Pardue. “For instance, in the main lobby the trusses will be exposed so we can talk about how the building is constructed. We’ll talk about the architectural impact of light in a space. There also will be a theater that offers an amazing experience in sight and sound.

“I’d like to see creativity as much a part of the equation as good grades when it comes to piloting that inner light in children.”

Pardue says it’s easy to say that 5th- and 6th- graders who make good grades in math and science should pursue STEM careers, but that students shouldn’t be so quickly labeled.

“There can be multiple paths into a STEM career,” she explained. “Innovation can be a blend of skills. What we strive for is to help students become bright, connective thinkers.”

To that end, Ray Morris Hall doesn’t just contain laboratory space for teaching, it also functions as a research lab. The classrooms are equipped with observational cameras and microphones.

“Campus faculty members are developing new teaching strategies and methodologies for STEM subjects,” said Pardue. “It is important to quantitatively and qualitatively assess and evaluate the student learning that results. The facility can support new research directions.”

Plans include working with a furniture supplier to explore furniture designs for educational spaces. One learning studio can be configured in different ways. All these features allow for long-term research on the learning experience.

“We know that the classroom setting makes a difference in how well students learn,” she explained. “Now, we can use the microphones and cameras to observe the response of students in different environments and study the long-term learning impact the physical classroom can have.”

Pardue anticipates many public events for the center to showcase research and host guest speakers.

“We want to build strong community relationships, from adults to pre-schoolers,” she said.

“There’s a disconnect between the American public and the science community that we’d like to bridge. It’s our job to show relevance and to explain the impact of science and engineering on everyone’s life.

“We have to develop trust and a human connection,” she added. “We can do this through the senses and capture the passion of children who build on what they learn.”

The Upper Cumberland Regional Science Fair will call Ray Morris Hall home in the future. Pardue says this will help showcase efforts at the center by supporting teachers as they help students prepare projects; TTU faculty could also serve as mentors.

When Ray Morris Hall opens next spring, the Oakley STEM Center will have a permanent home, but the center already is supporting current projects and others in development. Current projects include three math and science partnerships for K-12 teacher professional development led by Assistant Professor Susan Gore, Associate Professor Ken Hunter and Assistant Professor Holly Anthony. Another project in development is Assistant Professor Paula Engelhardt’s program to assist teachers as they prepare for licensure to teach physics.

Pardue emphasizes that the center will be a collaborative space for projects that span interests in engineering, education, arts and sciences and other fields.

The center’s anticipated ceremonial opening is mid-April 2010; Pardue expects the building to be open for full activities in May.

--Karen Lykins
This information posted 28 August 2009