Associate Teaching Professor Syracuse University Syracuse, New York, United States
Introduction:: To inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) outreach courses in high school are crucial. This work presents an engaging and motivating STEM experience regarding the design and implementation of an effective STEM outreach course for high school students titled Astro-Bioengineering: Seeking for the Limit of Life.
Materials and Methods:: This course aims to help students obtain a broad exposure to astrobiology and related bioengineering principles, and appreciate use of engineering principles and scientific methods in the search of exobiological biomarkers. Students designed and prototyped a simulated robot to conduct exobiological sampling to find life. Based on the biophysiochemical features of their chosen exoplanet—icy Europa, stony Mars, or Enceladus' deep ocean—students devised biomarker detection methods for dead or living life. Drills, wheels, spectrometers, etc. were designed using computer-aided design. Their rovers were designed to autonomously travel the terrain and collect samples, as well as measure temperatures, acceleration and other vital data using a Circuit Playground, servo motors, electrical components, and other household items. In the final demonstration, the rover would move on self-assembled terrain and mimic life-searching using exterior cues like light, sound, motion, etc.
Results, Conclusions, and Discussions:: The Astro-Bioengineering course proved to be an effective STEM outreach program for high school students, providing an engaging and motivating experience that combined astrobiology and bioengineering principles. By designing and prototyping a simulated robot to conduct exobiological sampling on an exoplanet, students were able to apply engineering principles and scientific methods to the search for exobiological biomarkers. The project also gave students a taste of working within a budget, deepening their understanding of the research and engineering process. This interdisciplinary outreach course for high school students has the potential to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists by exposing them to a variety of scientific disciplines and encouraging them to pursue further studies and careers in the field of biomedical engineering and astrobiology.