Longitudinal analysis of early interventional approaches to science erudition
Abstract
America s university system standing in STEM+M has never been better, but secondary education (middle and high school) has lagged measurably and considerably worldwide. Math, physics and chemistry outcomes are falling to the middle of the pack internationally(OECD Nations). The overarching aim of the present proposal is to implement an interventional strategy of introducing students to STEM+M concepts early and repeatedly over the course of 3 years, followed-up by tracking, measuring the impact, and determining the influence on these students and their choices regarding science-based careers. The present collaboration is between The A Time For Science initiative organized by The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at Greenville and the Department of Physics at East Carolina University (ECU). This proposal aims to implement a dual prong approach in science education, targeting both students and teachers. The objective is to promote science dissemination initiatives, introduce students to ongoing scientific concepts, and enhance the skills and knowledge of secondary education teachers in STEM fields. The hypothesis is that early exposure to science and continued resources in youth will influence career choices, while reinforcing teachers with the latest skills and knowledge will enhance their ability to engage students with contemporary scientific concepts.Aim 1: Promoting Science Dissemination Initiatives for Students Hypothesis: Introduction to science at an early age and providing continued resources will influence career choices in STEM-related fields. Experimental Design | Approach: The study will follow two groups of children (n=600) over a 3-year period toassess the impact of early education science introductory programs on their career decisions. The focus will be on programming (machine learning), biotechnology (neural interfaces), basic math (statistics), and physics concepts (classical mechanics). Science dissemination initiatives such as short seminars and programs will be organized to introduce students to ongoing scientific advancements. Monthly museum visits will augment, complement and reinforce project aims. The proposal would implement and study the impact of early education science introductory programs in youth career decisions.Aim 2: Enhancing STEM Education for Secondary Education Teachers Hypothesis: Providing teachers (n=30) with the latest skills, methods, and applications in science will assist them in bridging contemporary concepts and engaging students in STEM fields. Experimental Design | Approach: Local university professors will collaborate with teachers in protracted time devoted to science education. Teacher workshops will be conducted, focusing on STEM-related fields, and led by professors to provide the teachers with updated skills, methods, and applications in science. The objective is to empower teachers to introduce interesting and contemporary scientific concepts to their classrooms. Conclusion: The current proposal is a dual prong approach, top-down from teachers to students and bottom up from students to learning outcomes. The purpose is to improve science knowledgeability in student outcomes. This proposal seeks to promote science education and encourage career choices in STEM fields through early science dissemination initiatives for students and enhanced STEM education for secondary education teachers. By focusing on both students and teachers, the aim is to create a comprehensive and effective approach that improves scientific literacy and engagement in the target population.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 15, 2023
- Source ID
- N000142412027
Entities
People
- Francis Manno
Organizations
- East Carolina University
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy