Mike Ryan

Papers

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About

Mike Ryan is a leading researcher in K–12 STEM education, with a focus on integrating engineering design and robotics into middle school science curricula. His most influential work, "Implementing NGSS Engineering Disciplinary Core Ideas in Middle School Science Classrooms: Results from the Field" (2018, 17 citations), provides critical insights into how the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can be operationalized through problem-based learning. Ryan’s major contribution is the development and study of SLIDER, an innovative 8th-grade physical science curriculum that merges engineering disciplinary core ideas with hands-on robotics. This work demonstrates how students can authentically engage with engineering practices, moving beyond traditional science instruction to foster design thinking and problem-solving skills. By reporting real-world classroom outcomes, Ryan has offered educators a practical model for implementing NGSS engineering standards, directly addressing a key challenge in science education reform. His research is particularly notable for bridging the gap between policy mandates and classroom practice, providing evidence-based strategies that help teachers navigate the shift toward integrated STEM learning. Ryan’s scholarship continues to shape how engineering is taught in middle schools, making him a valuable resource for educators and researchers seeking to prepare students for a technology-driven world.