The University of Kentucky (UK) STEM Experiences is a collaboration amongst the UK Colleges of Education, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences. Our goal is to expose students to a variety positive learning experiences and career options in the STEM fields. Additionally, the summer experiences

Fowler, Abigail

Mohr-Schroeder, Margaret J.

Yost, Caitlyn

English

University of Kentucky

University of Kentucky UKnowledge Posters-at-the-Capitol Presentations The Office of Undergraduate Research 2020 Opportunity and Access to Informal STEM Learning Environments Abigail Fowler University of Kentucky, agfo224@uky.edu Caitlyn Yost University of Kentucky, Caitlyn.Yost@uky.edu Margaret J. Mohr-Schroeder University of Kentucky, m.mohr@uky.edu Follow this and additional works at: https://uknowledge.uky.edu/capitol_present  Part of the Science and Mathematics Education Commons Right click to open a feedback form in a new tab to let us know how this document benefits you. Recommended Citation Fowler, Abigail; Yost, Caitlyn; and Mohr-Schroeder, Margaret J., "Opportunity and Access to Informal STEM Learning Environments" (2020). Posters-at-the-Capitol Presentations. 9. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/capitol_present/9 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the The Office of Undergraduate Research at UKnowledge. It has been accepted for inclusion in Posters-at-the-Capitol Presentations by an authorized administrator of UKnowledge. For more information, please contact UKnowledge@lsv.uky.edu. Title of Research ProjectResearcher’s NameDepartment(s), University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY• The benefits of participating in the STEM summer learning experience also extended tostudent’s perceptions of classroom STEM learning.• Students acknowledged the access they received to hands-on activities in authentic STEMsettings and the opportunities they received to interact with STEM professionals wereimportant components of the summer informal learning experience.• When provided the opportunity to access STEM, students were engrossed in the learningand eager to experience the activities.• The pedagogical approach of the STEM summer learning experience balanced guidedlearning and student exploration through activities that the students attest are anessential element to their rich learning experience.• Schools are often limited in the access they can provide to in-depth content and authenticsettings. Unfortunately, this disproportionately affects Black and Latinx students, which issomething STEM camp specifically attempts to counteract.• When students see how solving authentic problems through STEM can make their livesand the world a better place, they are more interested in pursuing STEM careers.• The activities during the summer learning experience either expanded or broadenedstudents’ interests in STEM careers.• Many students were influenced by their desire to help others and make the world a betterplace, and some even recognized how their STEM learning experiences could be appliedto improve the world.• The students interacted with STEM professionals in authentic ways, which also heightenedand piqued their interest in STEM and STEM-related careers, and some even describedspecific desires to pursue STEM careers.Students in the elementary camp discover they can use a lemon to create a simple battery to power a LED light bulb.The UK STEM Experiences is a collaboration amongst the UK Colleges ofEducation, Engineering, and Arts & Sciences. Our goal is to exposestudents to a variety positive learning experiences and career options inthe STEM fields. Additionally, the summer experiences…• Target rising elementary and middle grades students (grades 5-8)especially females, students of color, and students disinterested in STEM• Provides authentic, hands-on, engaging STEM learning environments onthe University of Kentucky campus• Provides opportunities for preservice teachers and graduate studentsfrom STEM disciplines to assist with camp and gain valuable contentknowledge and experience in an informal, low-stakes environment• Partner with area school Youth Service Coordinators to recruit and retainunderrepresented populations• Area preservice and inservice teachers assist with the camp gainingvaluable STEM laboratory experience and ideas that they can incorporateinto their own classroomsThe week-long day camps are designed to help students explore and integratethe STEM disciplines through authentic hands-on projects and real-worldapplications.Purpose and GoalsMiddle school students test the voltage of their solar panel they created using pomegranates. “I want to become a doctor when I grow up, and to do so I need to know a lot about anatomy. Dissecting animals really helps me learn more…”“It is hard for me to learn as fast as other people because I am more of a hands-on person. So, when there is a hands-on activity, I am really happy because I get (to) learn. I get to see. I get to feel. I get to touch, and I like how STEM camp incorporates that in a fun and awesome way…”“I would say STEM camp, it kind of just, it kinda gives you a little bit of everything.”“Like I see those robots at the hospital carrying, uhm, things that humans would be carrying...that would make the world a better place.”“If I have a chance, I could probably make some kind of combination of a car that can use hydropower, but at the same time use solar energy to use a new source of fuel, instead of gasoline.”• Goal is 50/50 sex ratio and at least 25% students of color• Over the past 5 years, total of 55% or more underrepresented students have participated• Partner with area Youth Service Center Coordinators, area school districts, and community centers tohelp recruit and retain underrepresented populations• Vary topics and presenters from year-to-year to help peak interest and exposure• Recruit presenters of color and females in STEM fields to work with and mentor students• Involve our area inservice and preservice teachers, and graduate and undergraduate studentsCreating Opportunity and Access for Each and Every StudentImpactIn the Students’ Words…Opportunity and Access to Informal STEM Learning EnvironmentsAbigail Fowler, Caitlyn Yost, & Margaret Mohr-SchroederUniversity of KentuckyElementary students conduct a reflex investigation on crayfish.This research was funded, in part, by NSF 1348281 & 1560013 and AstraZeneca. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or AstraZeneca.

Opportunity and Access to Informal STEM Learning Environments

https://uknowledge.uky.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1008&amp;context=capitol_present

Opportunity and Access to Informal STEM Learning Environments

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