Introduction INTRODUCTION
Our goal at US Sailing is to foster an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math through sailing! The nation is facing a change in education calling for innovative ways to educate today’s youth through inquiry-based learning and the engineering by design process. Using sailing as a medium, REACH provides youth with hands-on integrated learning opportunities that inspire interest in innovative fields of study like physics, marine biology, robotics, technology and more. Challenging today’s youth makes for a better future not only in education, but also in meeting the needs of a changing technical workforce development environment.
In 2012, US Sailing launched REACH, a national education initiative connecting youth to STEM education and innovation through the sport of sailing. US Sailing’s leadership in embracing STEM education to engage students in hands-on learning opportunities in a natural environment is challenging students to reach higher academically. US Sailing’s network of training programs for US Sailing certified instructors along with our network of waterfront sailing organizations provide a natural learning environment for students nationwide.
REACH provides resources, connections, and national partnerships. US Sailing has compiled ten learning modules designed for middle school students. The modules incorporate national education issues including watershed education, climate change, and green technology – all with a focus on hands-on learning both on and off the water. Modules 1-10 concentrate on using scientific tools to collect and analyze data in local watersheds while learning to sail.
Successful Tips for REACH Implementation 1. Keep it FUN!
2. Take the US Sailing REACH Educator Course for middle school teachers, youth program instructors, camp counselors, and sailing instructors. Visit
reach.ussailing.org for more information.
3. Be flexible: If you have limited time, don’t shorten the lesson; just make it a multi-session lesson. The concepts and experience are the most important concepts.
4. Test the curriculum before you use it. Using the Engineering by Design Model, try different parts of the modules before you try to implement a STEM program. Start with one or two modules.
5. If you are operating in a sailing environment, you will need to allow for additional sailing time and rigging. The REACH curriculum does not account for rigging and sailing skills.
6. You may be working with students of all sailing levels. US Sailing recommends utilizing US Sailing Level 1 Certified Sailing Instructors. Please consider students’ sailing experience and skill level by allowing first time sailors to learn how to safely operate a boat before conducting experiments or gathering data while sailing.
7. Rely on experts for information. Use the REACH program as an opportunity to invite content experts to your classroom or sailing center.
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