DAPCEP has been active in Detroit Public Schools since 1976; this program is part of Detroit’s Educational Community. As a Detroit Public School Partner, the DAPCEP In-School Program applies best practices teaching and learning strategies to ensure that all In-School students participate in science, technology, engineering and mathematics activities and experiences with a four-part DAPCEP teacher developed curriculum:
This hands-on curriculum is taught in an interactive classroom rooted in math & science fundamentals. Extracurricular activities such as educational trips, interaction with professionals in fields of interest and science fair competition reinforce the curriculum and allow the students to demonstrate developed ability.
A key component to the DAPCEP In-school Program is participation in the Metropolitan Detroit Science Fair. Consistently over 90% of Detroit Public School entries originated in DAPCEP In-school Classrooms.
The DAPCEP In-School Program curriculum includes four interwoven components. The application of process-driven methods that contribute to student success is central to curriculum delivery in the classroom
Engineering Lessons Teachers, working along with university faculty, developed the engineering lessons. Input into the lesson design contributes to heightened teacher motivation. The classes engage students in model building and independent testing, in an effort to simulate the actual experience of engineers. Students meet and interact with engineers at career seminars, on field trips, and in the classroom. Technology is used to provide additional up-close examples of the work of scientists and engineers.
Multicultural Enrichment Often times the accomplishments of scientists, inventors and engineers from historically underrepresented backgrounds are not discussed in the current history and/or science curriculum. DAPCEP feels that knowledge of these accomplishments is motivational to the student population served. The multicultural component focuses the students on researching the life and contributions of minority scientists and inventors.
Research Students learn the research process, in which they formulate questions, organize information and present a research paper. These skills are applied to the students’ multicultural & science fair projects and throughout students’ educational and professional careers. Students are required to document research methodologies and findings as part of their study.
Science Fair Projects One of the key elements of the In-School Program curriculum is the development of science fair projects. All students apply the research process and knowledge gained from the DAPCEP curriculum to develop a project independently. Students work collaboratively with peers, parents, mentors, corporate partners and teachers to develop high quality projects that are entered in the Science and Engineering Fair of Metropolitan Detroit. For more information, please contact Suzanne Wasson in the DAPCEP Office.