Expanding the Role of Naval Museums in STEM Education through Effective Training of Formal and Informal Educators in Navy-relevant Curriculum
Abstract
ABSTRACT The USS Hornet Museum (USSHM), United States Naval Academy (USNA), and Naval Historical Foundation (NHF) propose to undertake a three-year project, Expanding the Role of Naval Museums in STEM Education through Effective Training of Formal and Informal Educators in Navy-Relevant Curriculum. Working together, USSHM, USNA, and NHF will raise the profile of Naval museums and historic Naval ships in the STEM education field by strengthening the museums positions as a resource and venue for training professional teachers in the school community. Naval history museums are in a prime position to help educators with their challenges in preparing their students for the growing number of careers in STEM by providing engaging STEM education venues for both educators and students. Naval museum ships, such as the USS Hornet, offer a unique and exciting atmosphere for students and educators to explore real-world applications of science and technology in the context of military technology and history, and the informal educators of these venues provide valuable and inspiring instruction, as well. Naval museums can also extend their reach to teachers nationwide by providing an online platform to bring together Navy-related STEM curriculum resources. The proposed project will: 1. Increase the role of Navy museums and historic Naval ships nationwide in providing STEM education by developing and promoting these sites as quality venues for STEM education and outreach. 2. Develop additional, engaging Navy-relevant curriculum for use by museums and teachers nationwide that will use the history and technical aspects of Navy technological developments to inspire students towards careers in the Navy workforce. 3. Provide quality professional development to informal and formal educators in STEM curriculum. 4. Facilitate access to Naval museum programs for low-income high schools and expand access through online resources. For this project, USSHM, USNA, and NHF request $301,100 in funding for costs including developing curriculum, procuring supplies and materials, training instructors, paying staff, traveling, developing and maintaining websites, and establishing scholarship funds. Assessment and evaluation will be conducted by an extensive survey program which will measure the programÕs success rate and sustainability. How well the skills acquired from the training will translate into the STEM education programs at the USSHM and the NHF will be directly evaluated via records including attendance numbers, frequency of attendance, and surveys. We will also survey the students and instructors trained who are utilizing their STEM skills in the community and monitor traffic for the STEM educational websites.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 22, 2016
- Source ID
- N000141512394
Entities
People
- Heidi Schave
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- USS Hornet Museum
- United States Navy