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Full-Text Articles in Education
Women In Science, Technology, Engineering, And Math Professional Night For Youths, Emily N. Henry
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
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
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.
4-H Engineering Design Challenge Program: Engaging Youth In Stem Learning, R.Michael Compton, Rebecca L. Meyer, Anne Stevenson, Somongkol Teng
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.