Science Education through Independent Research Projects Inspired by the Smithsonian National Zoo
Abstract
In this project, we will invite approximately 10 local high school students (in two cohorts) into the Leftwich Lab at the George Washington University to complete independent, mentored research projects inspired by the animals at the Smithsonian National Zoo (SNZ). The students will visit the SNZ at the beginning of the project to meet with curators and keepers to determine a research question based on this visit. At the end of the session, each cohort will produce an infographic that will be displayed at the SNZ for the general public based on their project. For more than two decades, much of human engineering has been inspired by the function of the natural world. However, it is not typical that STEM students can experience the ~solutions~ that animals posses first hand. In this project, we will combine the common experience of a trip to the zoo with an in-depth independent (but, of course, guided and mentored) research project.The PI will leverage her existing relationship and experiences with the SNZ, and particularly the American Trail and pinniped staff, to help high school students make connections between natural systems, i.e. animals, and engineering problems. This experience will be coupled with an in-depth, guided research experience in the Leftwich Lab. Finally, the participants will producean infograph or piece of science art to display at the SNZ.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 25, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912188
Entities
People
- Megan C. Leftwich
Organizations
- George Washington University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy