As Engineering World Health launches the Kits for Classrooms program, we are also developing new materials to help teachers incorporate EWH’s Kits into their lesson plans. The new lessons introduce students to key concepts behind each EWH Kit, what the devices do in real medical settings, and how engineering can play a role in global health. Building the Kits provides students with hands-on experience as they learn engineering skills. EWH strives to connect classroom learning with real world applications so that students feel empowered to make change and explore STEM careers.

To develop these new materials and activities, EWH is working with 3 talented graduate students from North Carolina State University. To highlight their excellent work, we asked them to share a bit about themselves and why they were interested in EWH’s Kits program.

Clark	Danielle	Nick

Clark Hickman is a graduate student studying nuclear physics at NCSU. He shared, “I was very glad to be introduced to Engineering World Health and this project as it provided me an opportunity to use my knowledge and skills to help an organization whose mission I deeply admire. More explicitly, I was drawn to EWH’s goal of inspiring, educating, and empowering students in the STEM fields, especially those who may not have access to these kinds of resources otherwise. I hope that our work will help more students become confident and interested in STEM and it’s many applications.” Using his expertise in STEM, Clark led our Kit curriculum revamp to launch this spring.

Next, we have Danielle Scharen, a doctoral student in NC State's College of Education in the Elementary Education in Mathematics and Science program.A former elementary science teacher in Wake County Public Schools, Danielle is now an instructor of the Teaching Science in the Primary Grades undergraduate course in the College of Education as she works on researching science integration in elementary classrooms. Of her work on EWH’s Kits, she said, “My work with EWH closely aligns with my passion for increasing access, opportunities, and resources for science and engineering education in elementary students' learning environments.” Danielle brought a wealth of knowledge on curriculum design and implementation to make it as easy as possible for teachers who use our Kits. 

And finally, Nick Gray is a graduate student at NCSU studying physics education. He remarked, “STEM education and outreach are two passions of mine, and working with Engineering World Health on this project has provided me a wonderful opportunity to contribute to those passions in a meaningful way. I was drawn to the project because of EWH’s goals to inspire, educate, and empower students, including those who would otherwise not have access to such resources. I am truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to their cause.” Nick was instrumental in connecting complex science ideas with standards for science education of K-12 students.

We are very grateful for the work Clark, Danielle, and Nick contributed in developing new activities for our Kits for Classrooms program. "EWH is fortunate to be based in North Carolina's Research Triangle, so close to many students with STEM education expertise. In partnering with local students, we are confident our new materials will make our Kits easier for teachers across the country to bring to their classrooms.” said Dr. Tojan Rahhal, CEO & President of EWH.

Teachers and administrators from Title I schools can sign up for free Kits packages. For non-Title 1 schools, the Kits for Classrooms package is available for purchase. You can learn more about Kits for Classrooms and sign up here.