that kids enrolled in Citizen Schools afterschool programs significantly outperformed a comparison group on a range of indicators, including school attendance, proficiency test scores and graduation rate.
Gateway to the Stars Howard University Middle School of Mathematics and Science, or (MS)², taps into higher institutions of learning as another rich source of STEM prow- ess. Founded in 2005, the Washington, D.C., public charter school is located at the university, one of the nation’s preeminent historically black colleges. Every (MS)² classroom includes at least one undergraduate teaching assistant, providing youths with collegiate role models in STEM fields, while giving university students an opportunity to test their teaching skills. The school also partners with
NASA, which pairs its engineers with teachers for professional develop- ment, and sponsors rigorous student workshops in astronautics at its God- dard Space Flight Center, in Greenbelt, Maryland. The collaboration gives stu- dents a scientific leg up while broaden- ing their career possibilities. “Employees within the space
program range from botanists to ballet dancers, all necessary in helping to get astronauts ready for takeoff,” says Yohance Maqubela, executive director of (MS)². He recognizes that not every student will end up pursuing a career in a STEM field, but that science and technology will permeate whatever discipline they choose. Above all, STEM curricula are designed to address one of the most fre- quently asked student questions: “Why am I learning this?” By making learning more relevant, these programs are help- ing kids stay motivated, think critically about their surroundings and connect the dots so they see the big picture. It’s a mindset that will serve them well, wherever life leads them.
April Thompson is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C. Connect at
AprilWrites.com.
Science, Technology and Mathematics Education Choices
in Arkansas By Scott Binkley
Arkansas has excellent resources to bolster students’ growth in math, science and technology. Here are some of the exciting options available:
Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts (ASMSA) located in Hot Springs welcomes Arkansas students ready for an academic challenge. The school is one of thirteen residential secondary schools nationwide focusing on math and science education. ASMSA was created in 1991 and accepts applications for sophomore students gifted in math, science and the arts from across Arkansas. Funded by the Arkansas Education Department, tuition, room and board are paid by the state. Once accepted, students can attend this residential preparatory school for the price of a small activity
fee.li
EAST Initiative Available in over 200 schools across Arkansas, the EAST initiative encourages students to brainstorm on ideas for a project, create work groups, and utilize technology to make that vision a reality. Matt Dozier, President and CEO of the non-profit group says, “Because of this, our students are more successful in college and in the workplace.” The EAST program outfits schools with cutting edge, industry standard technology, trains teachers to act as facilitators and creates a student centered educational environment that focuses on service. Whether it is the procurement and design of a Humane Society adoption center or the creation of an award winning documentary on the Japanese experience in U.S. WWII internment camps, students involved in the EAST program excel at real world application of their knowledge.
Arkansas Outdoor School (4-H) Mike Simmons of the Arkansas Outdoor School (AOS) can speak about the exciting projects his group offers at length. It is no surprise when you consider the wealth of options for fun and education that the school offers. AOS, affiliated with the University of Arkansas and 4-H, offers a range of projects, field trips and camps for students of all ages with an emphasis on hands- on, experiential education. Simmons states, “Our activities are intended to engage students in science activities in a way that gets them excited about the possibilities.” AOS has upcoming summer camps in which students will design and build a vehicle that they will ultimately race, use forensics skills to solve mysteries and explore the natural world as student biologists.
For more information:
http://www.eastproject.org/ http://asmsa.org/ http://www.kidsarus.org/go4it/Opportunities/ArkOutdoorSchool/
natural awakenings
March 2012
15
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