Biology 375: Special Topics, Engage Children in Science – Lead After-School Science Clubs

Overview

UW Madison undergraduate and graduate students in the sciences have interest, enthusiasm and expertise in many diverse areas of science, from biology to engineering. Many of them have a sincere interest in sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge with younger students but do not have the tools to do so. Though they have adequate scientific background, they need to learn about the learning process, the needs and learning styles of children, techniques for engaging young people in the process of science, means of evaluating informal learning experiences and techniques for reflecting on their own learning from community service experiences. This course would provide them content information, hands-on experiences and opportunities for dialogue and reflective experiences directly connected to their experience in leading an After School Science Club.

Course Objectives

• Expand students’ knowledge and appreciation of science, particularly the impact of science on our daily lives
• Provide experiences for community engagement that directly apply learning from UW science courses and research labs
• Reinforce science content knowledge through use of that knowledge in teaching
• Provide an effective conduit for science researchers to share their work with the community
• Provide examples and experiences to illustrate the Wisconsin Idea to undergraduate and graduate students
• Provide a model and experiences with development of mutually beneficial community partnerships
• Expand cultural literacy through opportunities to work with underserved groups
• Explore mentoring as a part of the scientific process

Background

The Center for Biology Education (CBE) has worked in partnership with schools and community organizations for over 15 years to enhance K-12 science education in the Madison area. The last two years, in partnership with Dane County 4H, the City of Madison and the Boys and Girls Club we developed After School Science Clubs. Over 20 schools and community centers have offered 8 week science clubs to 3rd-5th graders, co-led by site staff and UW students. CBE staff and partners have developed activity plans and provided training for staff (from schools and community centers) and UW students.

We have learned:

• There is a great need in the community for science activities in after school settings
• UW students have a great interest in community engagement in these settings
• UW students can be effective in this role and are excellent role models for children at this age
• UW students could be more effective in their role and learn a great deal more from this experience in the context of a course designed to help them share their knowledge of science in an effective and meaningful way.
• UW students could benefit from sharing their scientific experience with the broader community and it could enhance their leadership skills, their conception of what scientists can do, and prepare them to address the broader impact of their interest and work in science

Student Learning Objectives

Students will:

• apply science content in informal science teaching
• understand basic cognitive developmental levels of young children as applied in informal science learning
• understand basic principles of learning and teaching in informal settings
• apply the above to development and implementation of hands-on science activities
• understand inquiry based science teaching and use it effectively with children
• use a variety of techniques for engaging children in the process of science
• distinguish between goals and appropriate methodology for use in informal settings vs. formal classroom settings
• use strategies appropriate for meeting learning needs of underserved groups
• evaluate student learning from science activities in informal settings
• assess the techniques they use with children and their effectiveness
• assess their own learning from their informal teaching experiences
• Learn and practice effective mentoring skills
• Develop a familiarity with and working knowledge of state science standards as they apply to K12 instruction

Format

This is a year long course offering 2 credits per semester.
Each semester, students will lead an After School Science Club in the community. The first semester, they would work in teams using materials already developed. The second semester they could work in teams or individually and will develop some of their own activities based on their particular area of interest.

Teaching faculty and staff would include UW faculty and staff as well as representatives of partner organizations and other community organizations.