Many states, such as Texas, Oregon, and Massachusetts,
are legislating efforts to improve STEM education through
the addition of engineering standards to the existing science
standards (Kuenzi, Matthews & Mangan, 2006; National
Governors Association 2007). In 2009, Minnesota added
engineering concepts to the new academic standards for K-
12 science education. The state documents demonstrate that
the intent is for engineering being integrated into science
classes, rather than to be taught as a separate subject. As the
majority of science and mathematics teachers lack knowledge and experience of teaching engineering and STEM
integration, the Minnesota Department of Education has
funded several professional development programs for
teachers to learn about STEM integration