University News

WIU Education Students Engage in Women in STEM Bridge Engineering Project

February 17, 2026

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MACOMB, IL — Students enrolled in Education Professor Sebastian Szyjka's SCED 364 Elementary Science Methods course at Western Illinois University participated in a hands-on "Women in STEM" project designed to explore structural engineering and the integrated role of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in solving real-world problems.

As part of the project, future educators examined how society transports people, goods and services across rivers, lakes and other impassable areas through connection structures. Students addressed the central question: In what different ways can society transport people, goods and services across rivers, lakes or otherwise impassable areas by using some type of connection structure? Through this inquiry-based learning experience, students constructed scale models of five common bridge types: truss bridges, deck-arch bridges, tied-arch bridges, suspension bridges and cable-stayed bridges.

The project also included end-of-unit presentations in which students reflected on their learning across all STEM disciplines and demonstrated how the experience aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). These presentations emphasized interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving and the application of scientific and engineering practices in elementary education.

One of the primary goals of the project was to inspire future teachers to develop enthusiasm for STEM education so they can foster curiosity, creativity and innovation in their own classrooms. By engaging in experiential learning and design-based problem solving, students gained practical tools to one day "ignite the imagination" of the learners they will teach.

For more information on WIU's Education programs, visit wiu.edu/Education.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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