SciTrek Biotech
Abstract
For the average high-schooler, education is synonymous with memorization and regurgitation of curriculum, whose concepts often have unclear links to real-world scenarios and that seldom, if ever, require an original contribution. SciTrekBiotech is about breaking this mold. SciTrekBiotech engages teams of K-12 students in structured but self-driven explorations of bio-science/technology questions, using multi-tiered mentoring involving peers, K-12 teachers, university students and faculty. Importantly, SciTrekBiotech ’s model of engagement allows the program to simultaneously impact distinct points of the STEM pipeline: from K-12 students, to teachers and teachers in training, to university students. This uncommon feature in the landscape of education programs, which typically have a single stakeholder, coupled with the PI’s past record of success and the program access to world-class STEM and Biotechnology research programs, facilities and personnel, aligns SciTrekBiotech with multiple goals of the Federal and DoD STEM strategy and represents a unique addition to DoD’s portfolio, with the potential to create a national model for K-12 education and teacher training. Briefly, in SciTrekBiotech, teams of 4-6 K-12 students investigate a scientific question prompted by an experimental observation presented to them by university students, trained in the SciTrekBiotech method. This is the start of a journey of discovery that sets the SciTrekBiotech experience apart from other K-12 programs: K-12 student teams are not passive spectators, but are given full ownership of the project. They formulate “testable questions,” and decide on an experimental plan, which is then implemented over several days. Teams are also asked to present posters, discuss their findings, and provide an argument for their conclusions. Each class engages in two distinct “modules” each year; assessments occur before and after the modules. For some modules, these investigations culminate in a classroom-wide optimization project involving competition between classes. The implementation of SciTrekBiotech’s pedagogic model is made possible by extensive use of STEM undergraduate students (volunteers and core team). Volunteers are trained to lead authentic science inquiry: an uncommon experience in an educational path still mostly based on memorization. Core team members (Team SciTrekBiotech) carry out science education research, present their research at local and national science meetings, and help design modules and train volunteers. We propose a new course, open to all undergraduates, to foster appreciation of the scientific process, critical thinking skills, and students’ attitudes towards science. A new seminar series, featuring industry and DoD speakers, will explore career paths in biotechnology. SciTrekBiotech has a built in sustainability plan through teachers’ professional development: elementary and secondary teachers are empowered to independently lead their classrooms in the SciTrekBiotech modules, using workbooks and experimental materials provided by the program free of charge (secondary teachers are also supported by university students). In addition, SciTrekBiotech will develop a Master program (now a pilot) that will teach credential students (School of Education) how to incorporate this innovative program into their classroom. SciTrekBiotech leverages the successful track record of our outreach program SciTrek, which reaches 1,500-2,000 K-12 students each year (40-60% URMs): we propose to triple the number of K-12 student participants over the duration of the grant. In addition, we propose to expand the program beyond UCSB, through partnerships with other colleges and universities, towards creating a national model of K-12 education and teacher training.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Nov 10, 2021
- Source ID
- HQ00342110011
Entities
People
- Norbert Reich
Organizations
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- Washington Headquarters Services