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Full-Text Articles in Education

Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Professional Night For Youths, Emily N. Henry Dec 2021

Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Professional Night For Youths, Emily N. Henry

The Journal of Extension

Extracurricular science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) activities are an engaging way to introduce historically-minoritized youths to STEM. In this article, I describe one such event, a Women in STEM Professional Night, designed to connect eighth-grade girls with women in STEM careers. This interactive event provides a personalized connection to STEM, helps combat gendered stereotypes, and builds girls’ self-identification with STEM. Best practices include a carefully structured event, inviting a diverse group of women STEM professionals, and intentional preparation of all participants to set expectations. These insights serve as a guide for Extension professionals interested in creating a similar event.


Parent Perceptions Of Outdoor Learning In The Kids In The Woods Program, Mary Mazyck, Michael Andreu, L. Annie Hermansen-Báez, M. David Miller Oct 2021

Parent Perceptions Of Outdoor Learning In The Kids In The Woods Program, Mary Mazyck, Michael Andreu, L. Annie Hermansen-Báez, M. David Miller

The Journal of Extension

Research shows that exposure to the outdoors is beneficial to children and can improve the learning experience for students. The Kids in the Woods program in Gainesville, Florida provides 6th grade students with opportunities to learn science through a series of outdoor activities during their regular science classes. The article reports on an evaluation of the Kids in the Woods program. We surveyed parents/guardians of students participating in the program to examine the impacts of the program and to better understand parent/guardian perceptions of the program and of outdoor learning in general. Results indicate that parents/guardians observed positive changes in …


Using Extension As A Vehicle To Reduce Elementary Student Food Waste, Rebecca Koetz, Rod N. Williams Oct 2021

Using Extension As A Vehicle To Reduce Elementary Student Food Waste, Rebecca Koetz, Rod N. Williams

The Journal of Extension

Extension can play a key role in providing food waste education nation-wide. This study is the first to evaluate the effects of environmentally focused lesson plans on elementary student knowledge and perceptions regarding food waste. Herein we provide suggestions on concepts to teach students for the greatest impact on food waste reduction. We also provide avenues to incorporate food waste education into existing Extension programming. We hope the study can inspire and inform further food waste program development, assessment, and implementation through Extension.


No Bones About Art, Lydia Lytal, Brooke A. Whitworth, Gail Morton Sep 2021

No Bones About Art, Lydia Lytal, Brooke A. Whitworth, Gail Morton

Publications

No abstract provided.


Connected Design Rationale: A Model For Measuring Design Learning Using Epistemic Network Analysis, Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens Jul 2021

Connected Design Rationale: A Model For Measuring Design Learning Using Epistemic Network Analysis, Golnaz Arastoopour Irgens

Publications

Virtual learning environments have the potential to support students’ development of design skills in engineering education. However, few approaches exist for modeling and measuring design learning as it emerges in authentic practices, which often includes collaboration. This study merges learning sciences research with engineering design education to develop an approach for modeling and measuring design thinking. I propose a connected design rationale model which identifies relationships among design moves and rationale. Results from a qualitative examination of how professional engineers make connections among moves and rationales were used as the foundation to examine students in virtual internships. Using digital collaborative …


Going Viral- Using Technology In The Classroom To Show The Spreading Of Viruses, Laura C. Todd, Brooke A. Whitworth Jul 2021

Going Viral- Using Technology In The Classroom To Show The Spreading Of Viruses, Laura C. Todd, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

No abstract provided.


The “Magic” Of Density - A Unique Take On The 5e Lesson, Jacquelyn J. Mosely, Brooke A. Whitworth Jul 2021

The “Magic” Of Density - A Unique Take On The 5e Lesson, Jacquelyn J. Mosely, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

No abstract provided.


4-H Engineering Design Challenge Program: Engaging Youth In Stem Learning, R.Michael Compton, Rebecca L. Meyer, Anne Stevenson, Somongkol Teng Jun 2021

4-H Engineering Design Challenge Program: Engaging Youth In Stem Learning, R.Michael Compton, Rebecca L. Meyer, Anne Stevenson, Somongkol Teng

The Journal of Extension

The University of Minnesota 4-H Engineering Design Challenge program is an experiential learning opportunity in which youth work with adult volunteers to create Rube Goldberg influenced machines to address real-world issues. The program components are designed to help youth develop STEM work skills using an Engineering Design Process, increase interest in STEM content knowledge, and explore STEM career interests/aspirations. Evaluation indicates a majority of participants learn the engineering design process, principles of mechanical engineering, teamwork, public speaking, and problem solving. Programmatic outcomes and supports provide for the successful replication, adaptation, and implementation in both formal and non-formal learning environments.


Science Portfolios Embedding The Nature Of Science, Lauren Simpson, Brooke A. Whitworth May 2021

Science Portfolios Embedding The Nature Of Science, Lauren Simpson, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

No abstract provided.


Airbags As Real-Life Applications For Science, Carly A. Rock, Brooke A. Whitworth Mar 2021

Airbags As Real-Life Applications For Science, Carly A. Rock, Brooke A. Whitworth

Publications

At the core of an effective model-based inquiry (MBI) unit is a scientifically rich, complex phenomenon that serves as the reason for engagement and drives student sensemaking and investigations throughout the unit. Engaging in iterative attempts to explain phenomena over the course of an MBI unit allows the opportunity for students to construct evidence-based explanations that are refined over time with various science practices. We provide an example of using MBI as an instructional model to facilitate students’ conceptual understanding of chemical reactions.


Scaling Professional Development: Integrity Of Implementation As A Measurement Approach, Brooke A. Whitworth, Lori Rubino-Hare, Nena E. Bloom Jan 2021

Scaling Professional Development: Integrity Of Implementation As A Measurement Approach, Brooke A. Whitworth, Lori Rubino-Hare, Nena E. Bloom

Publications

Professional learning about an innovative teaching method is a demonstrated way to improve teacher practices, and ultimately impact student learning. One way to scale up professional learning is a facilitator development model, in which professional learning and development (PLD) designers prepare facilitators to understand the innovation and they in turn, teach teachers. To understand the effectiveness of this model, identifying how facilitators implement the model with teachers is critical. As such, the Power of Data (POD) team scaled-up effective PLD by providing Facilitation Academies to teach others to facilitate POD Teacher Workshops (TWs). The expectation was that changes based on …


Examining Teacher Leadership As A Model For Improvement In Science Education, Brooke A. Whitworth, Shunderla Wilson, Shelby Watson Jan 2021

Examining Teacher Leadership As A Model For Improvement In Science Education, Brooke A. Whitworth, Shunderla Wilson, Shelby Watson

Publications

The current mixed method study examined a Teacher Leadership Program (TLP) to determine to what extent participating teachers had changes in content knowledge (CK), practices, leadership skills, and leadership knowledge. The purpose was to determine if this program could be utilized to suggest a sustainable model for improving science education by utilizing teacher leaders to influence changes in their classrooms and at the school level. Participants included 65 K-8 participating teachers and 70 K-8 comparison teachers. Surveys, CK assessments, lessons, observations, and artifacts were analyzed using a-priori coding and descriptive statistics. Participating teachers had statistically significant gains over comparison groups …