Discipline: Science and Mathematics Education
Subcategory: Education
Tayla Frizell - Mississippi Valley State University
Co-Author(s): Joselyn Hathaway, Elizabeth City State University
The Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets (CReSIS) at the University of Kansas is a National Science Foundation (NSF) Science and Technology Center (STC) CReSIS’ K-12 Educational Outreach Program with a curriculum designed to introduce students to the dynamics of polar ice sheets and their effects on sea level rise. The Ice, Ice Baby (IIB) curriculum is a series of inquiry-based lessons developed by CReSIS K-12 Educational Outreach Staff and currently has 7 units with 31 lesson plans. Data (pre- and post-surveys from students and teachers) from the IIB program have been collected and assessed annually. This research study focuses on the impact the IIB curriculum has made on student participants in the program, their level of interests in STEM, and will examine data assessed from the student and teacher surveys from 2009 to 2015. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) outreach programs target K-12 students and enhance student learning, comprehension skills, and helps students understand various principles related to STEM [10]. These programs are coordinated by various organizations, colleges, or universities that are staffed with STEM professionals and facilitators [4]. A major issue that schools face today is the low involvement of minority students in STEM education and careers. Research suggests ways to get students involved includes: developing discussions, hands-on activities, and incorporating STEM into lesson plans [6]. The research presented will support the effectiveness of STEM outreach programs, explain how they are essential to student learning, and the importance of encouraging students to participate in STEM.
Funder Acknowledgement(s): Center for Remote Sensing of Ice Sheets; National Science Foundation; National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Kansas Board of Regents.
Faculty Advisor: Darryl Monteau, dmonteau@ku.edu
Role: During this research I participated in outreach events, analyzed data collected during surveys, and researched the benefits of educational outreach events.