Hands on learning: KDOT, Washburn University teach teens about STEM opportunities

Topeka-area middle schoolers attended KDOT’s STEM (Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Camp at Washburn University last month, thanks to the efforts of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance. The University hosted two weeklong residential camps in July with 14 students participating each week.

The camps gave students opportunities to learn more about science in transportation through interactive projects, activities and fieldtrips. Campers filled their days building and racing solar cars, designing bubble wands in CAD for 3D printing, programming and coding robots; as well as building and launching their own drones and rockets. 

Students also explored a few KDOT careers. Popsicle stick bridges were built and tested for strength with staff from Structures and Geotechnical Services; hands got dirty when students formed small concrete structures during a Materials & Research Lab tour; and mini excavators and skid steers were test driven at Washburn Tech’s campus. Deputy Secretary Lindsey Douglas and State Transportation Engineer Burt Morey spoke to the campers at the weeks’ closing Showcase exhibition.

 “As much I hope this sparked their interest in the transportation field, a new and non-traditional field for so many, I am more excited about the opportunities the camp presented, the exposure students received to something new and different, and the impact it made on their lives- both seen and unseen,” said Doria Watson, Civil Rights Compliance Administrator.

This was the fourth STEM Camp in five years KDOT has sponsored. COVID-19 forced the cancellation of 2020’s camp, and it brought new rules and guidelines to staff and participants to follow for this year’s event.

Civil Rights Compliance administers the STEM Camp through funds from FHWA’s National Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI) Program to help promote career and educational opportunities to disadvantaged and at-risk middle and high school students.

Washburn University created a YouTube video with additional photos. You can view them here:  and here.

 

 

It all begins with an idea: How research moves Kansas forward

By

Audrey Atkinson

Mallory Aye

Marie Manthe

KDOT Bureau of Research

KDOT helps keep Kansas moving and it is all thanks to research. In fact, many state Departments of Transportation boast that research is the oldest continuous federal highway activity they partake in, and Kansas is no exception. However, at its core, research is not about longevity and legacy, it’s about solving problems. KDOT’s Bureau of Research is dedicated to identifying issues in Kansas transportation, throughout all its aspects, and conducting research to devise solutions for these issues. The Bureau of Research has three central missions:

• To support and encourage innovation through research.
• To evaluate problems as they arise and provide timely responses.
• To serve as an information resource for agency management.

KDOT’s Bureau of Research is fortunate to have staff with expertise in a number of subject areas, and in-house research is performed on a regular basis. Additionally, research for the bureau is conducted by students and faculty from two major universities: The University of Kansas and Kansas State University. Their research collaborations are made possible by the Kansas Transportation Research and New Developments (K-TRAN) Program. 

KDOT also collaborates with other state DOTs, universities and organizations on research problems at the national level through National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP) projects and participation in Transportation Pooled Fund (TPF) studies.

Our scope of research utilizes a diverse range of scientific fields to address the various issues within transportation including chemistry, engineering and applied physics. Most research projects begin as a simple “problem statement,” a solicitation for research into an observed issue. These problem statements are typically submitted by staff members within KDOT, agency contractors and suppliers or representatives from the academic community. A research period can last anywhere from a few months to several years. 

The results of these projects are then recorded and reported to the Bureau Chief and the project monitor before they are published. After completion of the final report, it must be determined whether the research findings can be implemented.

If implementation will occur, projects are evaluated to develop a justifiable estimate of potential project benefits. These benefits are not just monetary— implementation of research findings contribute toward the preservation of roads and bridges, reduces usage of construction and emergency resources and above all, contributes to the safety of all who use our state’s transportation system.

In the Bureau of Research, we work with our KDOT colleagues and other partners to make sure Kansas has the finest transportation system possible. It doesn’t matter if people travel by car, bus, plane or bicycle; or if they transport goods by train or truck— what matters is that they all reach their destinations safely.

Stay curious: How STEM opportunities can change the world

By Mallory Goeke
Communications Specialist

Our country and our world are experiencing technological advances at a rapid pace. We often hear stories about the next new invention that improves lives makes headlines.

The roads we traveled on, the water system that we drink from, and even items like our smart phones had to be invented and engineered by someone. Who knows? maybe someone who reads this article could create the next big invention.

Any new discovery or piece of technology requires knowledge and the critical thinking skills to create change. And that is where Science, Technology, Engineering and Math comes in. 

According to the U.S. Department of Education, STEM programs help us understand the world by preparing students with the knowledge and skills to solve problems, make sense of information and interpret data to make decisions and choices that will lead us into the future. 

In an article by the PEW Research Center, STEM occupations have grown 79% since 1990. That means there are 17.3 million jobs related to these fields today. Jobs in scientific and technological fields pay well and those who work in those jobs are making a big difference and saving lives.

Students today may not realize it now, but the choices they make and the classes they attend will have an impact on the world around them. Now is the time to begin thinking about how they can create change.

Students had the opportunity to attend a STEM Camp sponsored by KDOT at Washburn University earlier this summer.

The Smithsonian Institute presented this scenario: There are four billion people on the planet who use a mobile phone. In the past two years, 90% of all of Earth’s data has been generated. The future is already here and citizens of the world who are fluent in STEM are needed.

In January 2018, The PEW Research Center found the U.S. placed 38/71 in math and 24^th in science. One reason could be that some students do not expand past what is familiar and comfortable.

Change and growth takes time and it means stretching past our comfort zones to learn and improve. We should be expanding our limits and learning new skills.

After all, if we had never looked to the stars and felt unsatisfied with not knowing what’s beyond our atmosphere, would we ever have made it to the moon and beyond?

Changing the world knows no age limitation. A recent story from NPR featured Nora Keegan, a fifth grader who wanted to make a difference for children who were overwhelmed by the noise that hand dryers produce. Using a professional decibel meter, she visited more than 40 public restrooms between 2015 and 2017. She discovered that public hand dryers do produce noise that exceeds 100 decibels, which can lead to hearing loss, learning disabilities and ruptured ear drums. 

Nora is 13 now, and her studies were recently published in the Canadian Journal Paediatric and Child Health.

So, whether you are a student, entering the work force or you’re already have a career it’s never too late to learn something new.  

We encourage everyone to stay curious and look for opportunities where they can change their world.

STEM camp empowers students to build the future

Students will have an opportunity to build a solar powered car like this from last year's STEM camp. 

By Mallory Goeke
KDOT Communications Specialist

Building the future of our country may begin at a science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) camp such as the one that the Kansas Department of Transportation and Washburn University are sponsoring during the next two weeks in Topeka.

Robyn Dudney, a program consultant for KDOT, said that each week, about 25 middle school students will learn about different STEM careers, including transportation industry opportunities.

“The campers will do various hands-on activities and tour local facilities,” Dudney said.  “Some of the activities include building and programming robotics, building solar cars, tinker computer aided devices, developing solid fuel rockets, design and build electric boats, which will be tested in the Washburn pool.”

Students will build robotic cars. 

At the end of the week, each camper will showcase their projects to family and friends. Secretary of Transportation Secretary Richard Carlson will speak to the students and their families at the end of the first week.

Students also will have opportunities to learn from experts when they tour the KDOT materials lab and Washburn Tech. Dudney said they will have the chance to explore how construction equipment is operated.

“This is the second year for the camp,” Dudney said. “Last year the camp lasted two weeks with the same students. This year we decided to hold two one-week camps, so we can reach out to more children.”

The program is funded by KDOT in conjunction with Washburn University. KDOT’s Office of Civil Rights Compliance plays an active role in the day-to-day activities of the camp.

Aviation Day Expands! Industry growth, economic development the focus for Mar. 1

The Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, in partnership with the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE) will hold their 4^th annual Aviation Day event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Mar. 1.

The event was initially created to provide networking opportunities and industry exposure but has expanded in scope and purpose. During this year’s event, a large gathering of legislators, manufacturers, suppliers, and aviation organizations, is structured specifically to help facilitate industry growth opportunities and address development potentials for Kansas economic stakeholders.

To facilitate, KDOT Division of Aviation will host an economic development training event for city officials at Memorial Hall from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., before the start of Aviation Day. This will prepare commerce and development stakeholders to discuss, with over 36 industry leaders, how best to harness state and local resources to boost the aviation industry and best address global aviation and UAS needs for the future.

“This event highlights strong partnerships that Kansas manufacturers enjoy as a globally recognized aviation team,” said Bob Brock, KDOT’s Director of Aviation. “We are honored by the enthusiastic response to this event, and look forward to a year of growth for this industry.” 

In addition to the available industry development opportunities throughout the day, the event also serves to spread awareness regarding STEM and aviation education through the Kansas Commission on Aerospace Education (KCAE). Lindsey Dreiling, President of KCAE, also highlighted the mentorship opportunities that the event provides Kansas aviation organizations. “Today, we celebrate the opportunity for aviation leaders to shape the future of our state by leveraging their resources to train Kansas youth as leaders of tomorrow.”

Companies that will be present include: Airmap, Bombardier, Garmin, Spirit Aerosystems, Textron Aviation, University of Kansas Engineering, Wichita State University, Lee Aerospace, Kansas Air National Guard, Westar, AOPA, Butler Community College, Burns & McDonnell, Civil Air Patrol, Commemorative Air Force, Cosmosphere, Explorer Post 8, Flight Safety, Garver, Kansas Associate of Airports, Manhattan Regional Airport, Kansas Agricultural Aviation Association, Kansas State Polytechnic, Lifeteam, NIAR, Pilots for Christ, Pulse Aerospace, VAA, Wichita Aero Club, Exploration Place, Dodge City Community College, Kiewit, Kansas Aviation Museum, EAA Chapter 88, NBAA, Wichita Area Technical College, NCAT, National Weather Service, and Mission Aviation Fellowship