Outreach
STEaM Tech: Empowering Youth in Decision Science and Human–Automation Interactions
The System Performance Laboratory (SPL) in the Grado Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech is developing a hands-on outreach program that introduces K–12 students to systems thinking, decision-making, and human–automation interaction through engaging, real-world transportation challenges. Using STEMkits that include model trains, interactive “control center” activities, drones, and immersive visualization experiences, the program helps students explore how complex systems work—and why human judgment remains essential even in highly automated environments.
Why it matters
Modern transportation systems are essential to everyday life, but they are also complex and safety-critical. Students often experience these systems (metro, airports, railways) without understanding the decisions that keep them safe and efficient. This outreach initiative helps students:
- Build intuition for complex systems and networks
- Practice team-based problem-solving and decision-making under constraint
- Understand trade-offs such as speed vs. safety and efficiency vs. resilience
- Explore how automation and AI can support people—without replacing human responsibility
What students will do
The workshop is designed as a station-based experience where student groups rotate through a sequence of activities (approximately 3–4 hours total). Example stations include:
- World of Movement: Observe and compare transportation modes and discuss how systems support daily life
- History of Trains: Explore how rail technology evolved and how design decisions shape systems today
- Routing in the Network: Build routes across a map and discuss trade-offs in network design
- Building the Network: Connect symbolic “cities” using tracks and maquettes to meet different community needs
- Controlling Train Traffic: Use signals, switches, and scheduling challenges to manage increasing complexity
- Maintenance and AI: Investigate defects, plan repairs, and explore AI-enabled inspection using drones
- Treasure Chest Reflection: End with a synthesis activity, short survey, and certificates
Community partnerships
The program is strengthened through collaborations that expand access and impact. We are working with Urban Alliance, which supports youth through paid internships, mentorship, and early career exposure, and with Chrysalis Development Group, a Northern Virginia nonprofit dedicated to advancing educational equity through hands-on STEAM programming for students from underserved communities.
Group meeting
