Science Outreach for Students Review and Assessment of a Science Education Outreach Program

Date of Award

2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Natural Sciences

First Advisor

Lowman, Margaret

Keywords

Science Outreach, Environmental Education, Community, Informal Education, Nonformal Education, Non-Formal Education

Area of Concentration

Environmental Studies

Abstract

Science Outreach for Students (hereafter referred to as SOS) is a regional informal science outreach program designed to mentor K-12 students using local college students. SOS enhances K-12 education through the use of ecology as a teaching tool, and transforms the public's awareness and understanding of environmental science and ecology by connecting communities and schools to the enthusiasm and intellect of local undergraduate students. SOS utilizes formal and informal science education to teach both the K-12 students and the local community. Since its inception in 2004, SOS participants have impacted over 50,000 people in Sarasota County, Florida through science education outreach. SOS not only impacts K-12 students and local community, it also changes the outlook of many of its participating student mentors. To date, 83 undergraduate students have taught science outreach, and many of have been inspired to consider careers in science education. As one of the founders of SOS, I trace the history of this innovative program and propose ways to enhance science education in an undergraduate curriculum through informal science education outreach training.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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