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Reed CA, Adams LW, MacFadden LN. Recommendations for success in biomechanics outreach. J Biomech 2023; 149:111462. [PMID: 36812798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Student engagement in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through informal outreach events is critical to the current educational pipeline. National Biomechanics Day (NBD) is a STEM outreach event that is an international celebration of the science of biomechanics with the goal of introducing high school students to the field. While NBD has experienced global success and substantial growth in recent years, it is an equally rewarding and challenging endeavor to host an NBD event. In this paper, we provide recommendations and mechanisms for biomechanics professionals to support their success in hosting biomechanics outreach events. Although these guidelines are framed around hosting an NBD event, the underlying principles can apply to hosting any STEM outreach event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A Reed
- Sanford Engineering & Applied Sciences, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Sanford Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Luke W Adams
- Sanford Engineering & Applied Sciences, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Sanford Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States
| | - Lisa N MacFadden
- Sanford Engineering & Applied Sciences, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Sanford Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Sanford Health, Sioux Falls, SD, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD, United States; The Biomechanics Initiative, United States.
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Bigelow KE, Monfort SM. Characterizing impact and providing perspective by assessing National Biomechanics Day events. J Biomech 2023; 148:111453. [PMID: 36716677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In this Perspective article we make the case for assessing National Biomechanics Day in order to better understand and maximum its impact. We present the opportunities and benefits that exist to assess National Biomechanics Day, as well as suggest assessment resources and tools that can be utilized. A case study is also included that details the ways that including assessment via a pre- and post-National Biomechanics Day survey provided insight into how our event changed student perceptions related to biomechanics, as well as informed us about how we might improve our event in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly E Bigelow
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, United States.
| | - Scott M Monfort
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana, United States
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Monfort SM, Bigelow KE, Vallabhajosula S, Evertz LQ, Becker JN, Wittstein MW, Gannon P, DeVita P. Quantifying national biomechanics day's impact on student perceptions toward biomechanics: A multisite pilot study. J Biomech 2021; 131:110907. [PMID: 34968889 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2021.110907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
National Biomechanics Day (NBD) is an international celebration of biomechanics that seeks to increase the awareness and appreciation of biomechanics among the high school community. Initial research supports the positive effects of NBD on students' attitudes toward the field of biomechanics; however, quantitative evidence remains scarce. The purpose of this study was to quantify changes in high school students' perceptions toward biomechanics after participating in NBD events to better understand the impact of NBD. Data were collected at two locations during the 2019 NBD season. Surveys were collected before and after NBD events for 112 high school students from Montana and North Carolina. Paired pre- versus post-NBD surveys for the aggregate sample population suggest that students perceived biomechanics as more appealing (p = 0.050), exciting (p = 0.007), and important (p = 0.018) following the NBD events. Students did not report a change in whether they could see themselves in a biomechanics-related career (p = 0.49). These findings further support the ability for NBD events to positively impact students' perceptions toward biomechanics, although opportunities persist to increase student career interest in biomechanics. This paper presents and discusses the study's results, interpretations, limitations, and implications for future research on biomechanics outreach activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Monfort
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Montana Engineering Education Research Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA.
| | - Kimberly E Bigelow
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton, Dayton, OH, USA
| | | | - Loribeth Q Evertz
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - James N Becker
- Department of Health and Human Development, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | | | - Paul Gannon
- Montana Engineering Education Research Center, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA; Department of Chemical & Biological Engineering, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, USA
| | - Paul DeVita
- Department of Kinesiology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
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