Digital Commons Network^™

The Aftermath Of An Earthquake: Healing Power Of Engineering For Turkish Elementary School Children, Pinar Fettahlioglu, Senay Purzer, Cagan Findikkiran

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The February 6th, 2023, earthquake significantly impacted children in Turkey, causing both physical and emotional challenges. To help students enhance their understanding of earthquakes and their impact, we have integrated engineering-based STEM activities in a 5th-grade classroom. Students designed earthquake-proof structures and tested their strength. The research involved 15 students from the earthquake-affected region of Adana. Data included a conceptual understanding scale using a single-group pre-test and post-test design. Analysis indicated that students had limited prior knowledge about the causes of and safety measures for earthquakes before the intervention. Post-test results revealed statistically significant improvements in their learning.

Preparing For Snow: Weather Safety, Meg Roney

Kindergarten

No abstract provided.

A Unified Rheological Parameter For Concrete: Application Of The Shear Work Index In Flowability Optimization, Wang Yao, Jihong Gao, Kunmiao Xu, Baolin Guo, Yongzhi Guo, Qinfei Li

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Adequate flowability is crucial to ensure proper homogeneity, mechanical properties, and durability of hardened concrete. A new parameter called the Shear Work Index (SWI), which combines yield stress and plastic viscosity, was recently proposed by the authors to evaluate concrete flowability. Factors that can influence SWI are analysed in this paper. Application methods of SWI are demonstrated through case studies involving the evaluation of rheology-modifying materials, the selection of the optimal manufactured sand replacement ratio in mixed sand, and the determination of concrete vibration time. The findings highlight the effectiveness of SWI as a comprehensive parameter for optimising concrete mix …

Supporting The Self-Confidence Of A Student With Mathematics Learning Disabilities Through The Engineering Design Process, Esra Yilmaz Bilir, Cetin Kursat Bilir, Danyal Soybas

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Although STEM education has been widely studied, research on its application for students with Mathematics Learning Disabilities (MLDs) remains limited. One promising approach is using an engineering design process (EDP) (Yilmaz Bilir, 2021), which promotes hands-on problem-solving and fosters cognitive and emotional growth. This study explores the self-confidence of an MLD student during the preparation stage of an EDP. The results indicate that the student’s self-confidence in STEM subjects and social communication skills improved even at the preparation stage. These findings emphasize the value of the preparation stage of an EDP and offer insights for designing effective STEM learning modules.

Mgo Boards – The Tension Between Innovation And Standardisation, D. Mcpolin, T. Aiken, M. Russell, L. Bagnall

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

National and international test standards are critical to how we use and design cementitious materials. However, there are occasions when products, such as magnesium oxychloride boards, do not fall within existing harmonised standards. Technical Assessment Bodies do provide a way of allowing the introduction of new materials via European Technical Assessment or British Board of Agrément certification. Such certification should provide confidence to insurance bodies and building owners in the absence of a national standard, which can take many years to emerge. This paper discusses the fundamental science and testing of MOC boards and the discovery of startling difference in …

Stem Education In Indiana: Analyzing The Availability Of Stem-Certified Schools For Underrepresented Communities, Bryan J. Duarte

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This study examines the equity of access to STEM-certified schools in Indiana, focusing on differences in student demographics between STEM-certified and non-STEM-certified schools. The results show no statistically significant differences in the percentage of female, non-White, or lower socio-economic students between the two groups. However, significant differences were found in the percentages of Latiné/a/o/x, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander, and Asian students, with these groups being underrepresented in STEM-certified schools compared to non-STEM-certified schools.

Boosting Computational Thinking In Integrated Stem Education With Cad, Hyeong Kyun Park, Jung Han, Yunjin Lim

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Integrated STEM education offers a powerful approach to enhancing students’ learning. By integrating science inquiry, technological literacy, engineering design, and mathematical thinking, integrated STEM fosters students’ 21st-century competencies, such as creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and computational thinking. Drawing from a national integrated STEM project, this research uses a classroom case study to investigate the integration of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and 3D printing into a STEM learning activity. It examines the use of mathematical computation to determine the best solution for a prototype that meet functional criteria. This research highlights how introducing CAD instruction enhances computational thinking within a conceptual framework …

Degradation Mechanisms And Microstructural Performance Of 3d-Printed Engineered Cementitious Composites With Yellow River Sand Under Chloride Ion Wet-Dry Cycles, Ali Raza, Chengfang Yuan

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

3D printing of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) is an emerging, cutting-edge construction technology that enables layer-by-layer fabrication without the need for formwork or steel reinforcement. ECC exhibits superior tensile strength and crack resistance compared to conventional concrete. However, the durability of composite structures, especially in marine environments exposed to harsh conditions such as sulfate and chloride ions, remains a concern. This study investigated the performance of cast and 3D-printed specimens under chloride ion wet–dry cycles (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 cycles) and utilised sustainable Yellow River sand (YRS) as a partial replacement for quartz sand to reduce …

Integrating Turtle Graphics And Engineering Design: Enhancing Problem-Solving And Critical Thinking Through Digital And Physical Prototyping, Abigail Erskine

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This research brief is a review of literature on integrating Turtle Graphics and engineering design to enhance students' problem-solving and critical thinking through prototyping. Integrating Turtle Graphics with digital and physical prototyping engages students in the engineering design process, helping them bridge abstract mathematical concepts with real-world applications. By combining programming and engineering design, Turtle Graphics supports complex tasks like visualization and design modeling, which improves students’ critical thinking, design thinking, and problem-solving skills. Through iterative testing and refinement, students gain practical insights into engineering concepts such as modeling and creating prototypes.

Rebuilding The Spatial Visualization Test, Maerianna Artang, Maia Catterall, Yagmur Onder, Nrupaja Bhide, Dhinesh Balaji Radhakrishnan, Jennifer J. Deboer

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Literature demonstrates that spatial visualization skills are crucial for students entering engineering and are used as early indicators of success. Historically, studies stated that students of gender or cultural minorities in engineering scored lower than their White, male counterparts. However, recent studies critically question the research approaches used in such studies (Bartlet, 2023; Önder et. al, 2023). We investigate the possible reasons for this score discrepancy and explore the construction of an asset-based spatial visualization assessment. Our work expands the area of spatial visualization development as applied in engineering design, specifically for the scope of marginalized learner contexts. We incorporated …

Proceedings Of The Tenth Annual Indiana Stem Education Conference: Generational Advances Through Stem Education, William S. Walker Iii, Lynn A. Bryan, S Selcen Guzey

Indiana STEM Education Conference

The Proceedings of the Tenth Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference are edited by the Center for Advancing the Teaching and Learning of STEM (CATALYST, https://www.education.purdue.edu/catalyst/) at Purdue University. The theme for the 2025 conference is Generational Advances through STEM Education. This year’s conference provides opportunities to learn about effective STEM education strategies, curriculum, and resources to engage students by considering the advances and impact of STEM.

Ginger: The Effect Of Illustrated Storybooks On Children’S Response And Teachers’ Facilitation In Stem Education, Defne Yabas, Tugba Abanoz, M. Sencer Corlu

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This study aims to explore children’s and teachers’ responses to the integration of illustrated storybook content into STEM activities in early childhood. The correlation between STEM content and illustrations in children's storybooks conveying scientific information is a crucial aspect that can impact children's learning of STEM. Studies have reported the utilization of storybooks in STEM education for young children (Abanoz & Yabaş, 2022; Pantoya et al., 2015), yet an absence of research has been noted regarding the impact of illustrated storybooks on children's engagement in STEM education. There is substantial research evidence that early childhood teachers have low self-efficacy beliefs …

Thermo-Mechanical Behaviour Of Preloaded Low Cement Concrete Under Heating And Cooling Phase Of Fire Exposure, Mahadev Sitaram Rokade, James Lui, Yu Sheng, Tim Stratford, David Rush, Benny Suryanto

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Understanding the structural performance of concrete under fire, particularly during the cooling phase, is critical to ensuring post-fire safety. Concrete columns, as primary load-bearing elements, are especially vulnerable under such conditions. While Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) concrete has been widely studied in fire, limited research has addressed the behaviour of sustainable alternatives such as Ground Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) concrete, particularly under realistic thermal decay scenarios. GGBS, a by-product of steel production, offers a low-carbon alternative to OPC, reducing embodied CO₂ while enhancing long-term durability. This study investigates the fire response of 100 mm × 200 mm cylindrical specimens …

Informal Education Experiences: Why Stem Camps Matter, Jeffrey A. Nowak, Dale Ruppert

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This research brief details some of the positive impacts of student participation in after-school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) camps provided by universities and informal education centers as described in published literature. In addition, the authors reviewed 2,841 anonymous participant surveys of 1^st-12^th grade students involved in nineteen STEM camps held at Purdue University Fort Wayne from 2019-2024 for related findings. Findings indicate that providing an enjoyable and enriching learning environment for STEM camps can foster a mindset of curiosity and a love for learning. Students who attend STEM camps likewise often experience a range of …

Steel Fiber Dosage In Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement Effects On Mechanical And Durability Properties, Zheng Wang, Yanfeng Guan, Minghao Mu, Hongyue Zhu, Chen Yan, Zhenwei Dong, Pengkun Hou

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Magnesium potassium phosphate cement (MKPC) plays a significant role as a rapid repair material in road and bridge infrastructure, owing to its fast-setting and high early strength properties. However, its crack resistance and bonding performance still pose challenges, which can impact both the repair effectiveness and the long-term service life of MKPC-based repairs. The addition of steel fibres can improve its strength and toughness. In this paper, the effect of steel fibre dosage on the processing performance and bonding properties of MKPC is investigated. The results show that the flow properties of MKPC remain stable at a dosage of 1%. …

Mathematical Modeling For Interdisciplinary Stem Problem-Solving, Dayat Hidayat, Signe Kastberg

Indiana STEM Education Conference

STEM education supports students’ real-world problem solving by utilizing connections between STEM disciplines. Yet teachers have questions about how to provide such support. Mathematical modeling involves the use of mathematics content and processes to solve problems in integrated STEM contexts. In this research brief we illustrate how mathematical modeling can support students’ integrated STEM problem solving.

Strength And Non-Steady-State Chloride Migration Of Concrete Incorporating Fly Ash-Based Artificial Aggregate, Ayesha Ferdous Mita, Yao Luan, Tiao Wang, Tetsuya Ishida

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

This study explores the mechanical performance and chloride resistance of concrete incorporating artificial aggregate (AA) synthesized from low-calcium fly ash using an environmentally friendly process. The AA was produced by combining fly ash with a small amount of Portland cement and a low concentration of sodium hydroxide, followed by mild heat curing. The hardened material was crushed and used as coarse aggregate in artificial aggregate concrete (AAC). Concrete mixes were prepared with two water-to-cement (W/C) ratios (0.49 and 0.67), and their performance was compared with that of natural aggregate concrete (NAC). Compressive strength tests at 28 days showed that AAC …

Enhancing The Performance Of Road Repair Materials With Polyacrylic Acid Ester In Sulfate Aluminate Cement, Zheng Wang, Yanfeng Guan, Minghao Mu, Shimao Song, Chen Yan, Zhenwei Dong, Qinfei Li

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Sulfate aluminate cement (SAC) is an ideal material for emergency road repairs due to its excellent properties, such as rapid setting and early strength development. However, the strength of SAC gradually decreases over time, and its workability during construction is insufficient, leading to poor quality in the repaired pavement. The addition of redispersible polymer powders (RPP) can improve the rheological properties of the cement and reduce its porosity, significantly enhancing the performance of the repair material. This study investigates the effects of adding 0-2% RPP (based on polyacrylic acid ester, VAE) to SAC. The aim is to systematically assess the …

Ripples Of Change: Middle School Students Navigating The Future Of Our Watershed Through Eco-Stem, Elizabeth Andrew Thiel

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Ripples of Change is an eco-STEM unit designed to address Indiana’s environmental education goals by fostering environmental literacy and informed decision-making among middle school students. By engaging students in community-based learning activities that empower students to address watershed issues, this eco-STEM unit promotes culturally sustaining integrated STEM education. Preliminary findings indicate increased student awareness and responsibility for their impact on local ecosystems using evidence-based reasoning, highlighting the potential for Ripples of Change to inspire global citizenship in students and scalable eco-STEM approaches.

Leveraging Algebraic Thinking In Stem Education To Equip The Next Generation Of Problem Solvers, Asenath Odondi, Comfort Temitope Aje

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Algebraic thinking is a critical skill in mathematics education, involving pattern recognition, generalization, symbolic manipulation, and problem-solving. It is essential for success in STEM fields and should be developed throughout education, starting in early grades. This literature review synthesizes research on algebraic thinking, focusing on problem-based learning. The review indicates that incorporating algebraic thinking into problem-based learning with non-routine activities enhances students' understanding and real-world problem-solving in STEM.

Observing Evidence Of Fixation During K-12 Engineering Design Challenges Using Variables Adapted From Post-Secondary Research, Sopheak Seng, William S. Walker Iii

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Design fixation is a phenomenon impacting students when they generate ideas for an engineering challenge and subsequently hesitate to consider alternative ideas throughout the design activity. Research into fixation with post-secondary students has shown that fixation can limit the quantity and the quality of design solutions. This research brief will describe how fixation has been measured at the post-secondary level and suggest the need for complementing quantitative with qualitative analyses.

Impacts Of Informal Stem Summer Camps On Middle School Student Stem Identity, Austin R. Jenkins, Joshua Faith, Steve Heinold

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Informal or out of school STEM spaces have been documented as sites of positive STEM identity development for youth historically marginalized in formal STEM spaces (Çolakoğlu et al., 2023). To increase the number of students who develop positive STEM identities during the critical juncture of middle school, Indiana GEAR UP offered summer camps to rising 7th and 8th grade students at selected middle schools across the state. Longitudinal interviews with students indicate the importance of informal STEM spaces, like summer camps, in fostering positive STEM identity development.

Innovative Stem Learning Through Solar Oven Design: Promoting Creativity And Teamwork In Stem Education, Humphrey Chinenye Ochulor, Abigail Erskine, Comfort Temitope Aje

Indiana STEM Education Conference

STEM education benefits significantly from integrating design-based learning (DBL) which fosters student creativity and teamwork. This research brief examines how solar oven design projects for K-12 students that involve DBL promote students' creative skills and teamwork. A literature review was done to investigate how solar oven design activities impacted student learning. Research has shown that students improve creativity and teamwork when these activities are carried out using DBL strategies.

Correction Of Temperature Effects On The Resistivity Of Ggbs Concrete Under Natural Environmental Exposure, Benny Suryanto, Asdam Tambusay

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Electrical resistivity is increasingly recognised as a practical indicator of concrete durability, particularly for assessing cover-zone properties and corrosion risk. However, interpretation of in-situ measurements is complicated by the influence of natural temperature fluctuations. This paper presents the application of a recently proposed temperature correction protocol for electrical resistivity measurements in newly batched concrete, enabling accurate evaluation of microstructural development under variable environmental conditions during both curing and post-curing periods. The proposed approach employs activation energy derived from in-situ measurements and implements an Arrhenius-based correction to normalise resistivity to reference temperatures of 10oC and 20oC. Experimental results demonstrate that the …

Feature Extraction Of Steel Corrosion Based On Xct Scanning And Deep Learning Model, Yuxi Zhao, Yuzhou Wang, Xu Miao, Hanjun Wan

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

Accurate quantification and analysis of steel corrosion is crucial for reliability assessment studies of in-service reinforced concrete structures. However, the pixel-level cross-sectional data provided by X-ray computed tomography (XCT) proves difficult to quantify, especially for the amorphous corrosion products filled in mortar, due to the absence of robust feature extraction methods. In this study, multiple deep learning models were trained to automatically identify corrosion products from a large number of XCT images. The database comprised XCT images obtained from a RC component subjected to chloride-rich environment for four years. The results indicate that deep learning models can segment different regions …

Effect Of Ultrafine Mineral Admixtures On Mechanical Properties Of Engineered Cementitious Composites, Lisha Yan, Xiangyu Guo, Weike Jiang, Zhenzhu Xing, Qinfei Li, Pengkun Hou, Chonghui Wang

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

In this study, to address the challenge of balancing the mechanical properties of traditional ECC with sustainability, the effects of substituting part of cement with ultrafine fly ash (UFA) and ultrafine ground granulated blast furnace slag (UGGBS) on the mechanical properties of ECC were investigated, and the differences in the roles of UFA and UGGBS were compared and analysed. The results showed that compared with UFA, UGGBS significantly improved the compressive strength and tensile strain of ECC, with a compressive strength of 92 MPa (73% higher than UFA-ECC), an ultimate tensile strain of 8.87% (4 times higher than UFA-ECC), and …

Multiscale Decoupling Analysis Of Concrete Durability And Interfacial Micromechanics Using Afm-Qnm, Yu Shao, Jie Rong, Yue Liu, Yongzhi Guo, Baolin Guo, Qinfei Li

International Conference on Durability of Concrete Structures

To address the coupled effects of cementitious materials, aggregates, and air content on the salt freeze–thaw resistance of concrete, this study proposes a multiscale decoupling analysis method that integrates macroscopic performance testing with nanoscale mechanical characterization. Concrete specimens were prepared using various binder systems (ordinary Portland cement and slag/fly ash-blended systems), aggregate types (granite and limestone), and target air contents ranging from 3% to 6%. Salt freeze–thaw tests were conducted in a 5% NaCl solution, accompanied by permeability testing, freeze–thaw durability evaluation, and air-void spacing factor measurements. Salt freeze–thaw damage was quantitatively assessed based on mass loss and relative dynamic …

Development Of An Integrated Unmanned Aerial System (Uas) Validation Center, Robert J. Connor, Jose Capa Salinas

JTRP Affiliated Reports

Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) have the potential to drastically change how civil infrastructure is inspected, monitored, and managed. This innovative technology can ensure the inspector’s safety, provide additional inspection information, and reduce costs. However, a challenge arose as this industry expanded: a lack of standardized guidelines or minimum performance requirements to perform these operations. With no standard tests to verify UAS’ ability to conduct inspections and unknown detection capabilities, agencies are left to rely upon consultants’ or vendors’ promotional material and claims when considering UAS deployment. The following pooled fund project proposes a series of performance-based assessments and procedural documentation …

Indiana Interstate Speed Profiles 2020-2024, Rahul Suryakant Sakhare, Jairaj Desai, Deborah Horton, Darcy M. Bullock

Indiana Mobility Reports

This report presents a graphical summary of monthly mile-hours of congestion across the 8 Indiana interstates (I-64, I-65, I-69, I-70, I-74, I-94, I-465, and I-469) and the Indiana Toll Road (I-90) analyzed longitudinally over the last five years from January 2020 to December 2024. It is a continuation of speed profile summaries that are published in previous years. Such systemwide interstate performance measures provide important information for decision makers to plan capital projects and assess operations.

Hours of operation by speed bins (0 to 14 mph, 15 mph to 24 mph, 25 mph to 34 mph, 35 mph to 44 …

Crawfordsville District Interstate Speed Profiles: April 2020–March 2025, Rahul Suryakant Sakhare, Jairaj Desai, Deborah Horton, Darcy M. Bullock

Indiana Mobility Reports

This report presents a graphical summary of monthly mile-hours of congestion across the three interstates (I-65, I-70, and I-74) in INDOT’s Crawfordville District analyzed longitudinally over the last five years from April 2020 to March 2025. It is a continuation of speed profile summaries that are published in previous years. Such systemwide interstate performance measures provide important information for decision makers to plan capital projects and assess operations.

Hours of operation by speed bins (0 to 14 mph, 15 mph to 24 mph, 25 mph to 34 mph, 35 mph to 44 mph, 45 mph to 54 mph, 55 mph …