Bringing Real-World Science into High School Classrooms

A University of Tennessee at Chattanooga-led team is making real-world science accessible to high school students through a problem-based learning unit centered on thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries, with support from community partners and hands-on professional development. The project has already shown promising results, inspiring students to pursue careers in engineering and technology.

Key Takeaways:

• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga-led team has developed a classroom-ready unit on thermal runaway in lithium-ion batteries to help high school chemistry students understand the science behind the phenomenon, engineer prevention solutions, and communicate public safety messaging.
• The project received funding through the UT System's Grand Challenges initiative and has already hosted a four-day professional development session for area high school math and science teachers, equipping them with tools and support to bring problem-based learning into their classrooms.
• The grant supports the development of a standards-aligned PBL unit structured around three student deliverables: a small-scale apparatus to prevent thermal runaway, an electrochemical device that fits inside the apparatus, and a public safety message on lithium-ion battery use.
• Community partners, including UL, provide support and resources to students, helping them explore chemistry, engineering, and public communication through a real-world lens.
• The project has already showed promising results, with students applying to college, switching their intended majors to engineering or STEM-related fields, and demonstrating a newfound appreciation for the relevance of math and science to their daily lives.

Statistics:

• 50 high school students from Brainerd High School participated in the project in year two.
• 7 high school teachers from Brainerd, Howard, and East Ridge high schools participated in the professional development program at UTC.
• The project has a goal of reaching groups of students who may have never considered a career in engineering or technology and showing them how science connects to things they already encounter in their daily lives.

Sources:

• Gavin, K. (n.d.). A University of Tennessee at Chattanooga-led team is bringing real-world science into high school classrooms. The State of Tennessee.
• University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. (n.d.). The State of Tennessee.