New GK-12: The Boat-of Knowledge in the Science Classroom (BooKS in Classroom)

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Abstract (NSF 0947813): The Boat-of-Knowledge in the Science Classroom (BooKS in Classroom)The BooKS in Classroom aims to enhance and broaden science and engineering education of graduate fellows at Ohio University and improve their communication skills. Each year, nine graduate fellows will work with nine school teachers to conduct on-boat samplings and experiments related to their research along the Ohio River from Marietta to Gallipolis. These activities will be remotely transmitted to school classrooms through inquiry-designed activities to an online virtual Boat-of-Knowledge to build a sustainable curriculum. The project will enhance understanding of graduate fellows in their research and improve communication and presentation skills using hands-on activities from the river boat to classrooms. It will provide professional development for teachers to enrich learning environments of high school students. Activities of the BooKS in Classroom will enable the graduate fellows and school teachers to engage in real-world interactions and develop sustaining enthusiasm. The participating high school students will experience increased interest and effectiveness of science learning by hands-on sampling on the river boat and activities of the virtual Boat-of-Knowledge. The project will result in significant impacts on the science education of high school teachers and students in the economically and educationally depressed region of the Ohio River by bringing their most familiar environment, a neighboring river, to their classrooms. It will strengthen the graduate program at Ohio University to sustain partnerships with local school districts for STEM programs.