# Bridging Engineering Education Through Curriculum Development and Outreach

During my externship, I had the opportunity to work with Boise State University’s Microelectronics Education and Research Center (MERC) on several projects focused on expanding semiconductor and engineering education for both students and teachers. My primary responsibility was converting the **Chip Chip Hooray (CCH)** curriculum into the Canvas learning management system. The Chip Chip Hooray curriculum was originally developed as a collection of hands-on lessons and activities designed for teachers to implement in their face-to-face classrooms, introducing students to engineering, electricity, computer science, and semiconductor concepts through engaging, inquiry-based learning. By adapting the curriculum into Canvas, my goal was to make these resources more accessible and organized while providing educators with a digital platform that could support classroom instruction, blended learning, or online implementation.

In addition to curriculum development, I assisted with **Chip Camps**, week-long engineering camps hosted in partnership with Micron. During these camps, students participated in interactive activities that introduced them to engineering concepts, semiconductors, circuits, coding, and problem-solving through fun, hands-on experiences. I also had the opportunity to present the Chip Chip Hooray curriculum to educators at both the **Connect Conference** and **Chip Chats**, demonstrating classroom activities and sharing resources that teachers can use to bring semiconductor education into their own schools. These presentations helped increase awareness of the curriculum and provided educators with practical strategies for integrating engineering concepts into existing science and technology courses.

This externship significantly expanded my knowledge of the semiconductor industry and engineering education. As the instructor for **ECE 180: Semiconductors 2** at Idaho Digital Learning Alliance (IDLA), I was already familiar with advanced semiconductor concepts. However, becoming deeply involved with the **Chip Chip Hooray** curriculum gave me a greater appreciation for the importance of building a strong foundation before students reach more advanced topics. I gained valuable insight into how engineering concepts can be introduced through age-appropriate, hands-on activities that encourage exploration, creativity, and critical thinking. Watching students become excited about engineering during Chip Camps reinforced the value of experiential learning and showed me how meaningful these early experiences can be in inspiring future careers.

This experience has had a lasting impact on both my career and my teaching style. It strengthened the connection between the work I do with the **Chip Chip Hooray** curriculum and my role teaching **ECE 180: Semiconductors 2** for Idaho Digital Learning Alliance. Understanding both the introductory and advanced levels of semiconductor education has helped me better see the complete learning progression for students. It has also encouraged me to incorporate more project-based learning, hands-on investigations, and real-world engineering applications into my own courses. Rather than simply teaching technical concepts, I strive to create engaging learning experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and help students recognize the many exciting career opportunities available in engineering and the semiconductor industry.