Exploring STEM Careers Initiative

该项目正在创建一个可复制的原型社区模型，用于吸引初中和高中学生参加基于挑战的项目，如机器人竞赛（Botball和iARoC），工程挑战（Kid Wind）和研究活动（Sea Perch）。该项目为代表7个学区和75所学校的110名教师和750名学生提供服务。合作伙伴包括广泛代表圣地亚哥地区科学教育机构的组织。有一批志愿STEM专业人员正在指导教师和学生。这些目标包括提高6 - 12年级学生的积极性;为教师使用基于挑战的学习做好准备;建立一个虚拟的协作网络;为圣地亚哥县的所有人开发一个可持续的模式。该项目正在利用文化相关战略和社会学习网络作为沟通工具，重点是圣地亚哥县的弱势学生，特别是大量的西班牙裔人口。学生们在当地几个与STEM相关的社区活动中展示他们的作品。研究结果有助于目前的文献参与挑战为基础的计划，特别是在比较如何走出学校的经验比较与正规学校设置在职业选择，中学后的选择，并在干学科的成功领域。本研究采用了准实验设计，既有定量数据，也有定性数据。这些产品包括在线学习模块和双语STEM职业博览会之夜的模型。该项目的一个有吸引力的特点可能是变革性的是一个模型组织结构，其中一个相对较小的组织，圣地亚哥科学联盟，提供协调，沟通和灵感，在一个主要的城市地区汇集了大量较大的机构的STEM教育工作。 这一结构正在高效和有效地利用和最大限度地利用当地资源。目前正在向其他拥有类似资源的大城市推广这一模式。

This project is creating a replicable, prototype community-based model for engaging middle and high school students in challenge-based programs such as robotics competitions (Botball and iARoC), engineering challenges (Kid Wind), and research events (Sea Perch). The project is serving 110 teachers and 750 students representing 7 school districts and 75 schools. Partners include organizations that broadly represent the science educational institutions of the San Diego area. There is a cadre of volunteer STEM professionals who are mentoring teachers and students. The goals include increasing motivation for 6th-12th grade students; preparation of teachers to use challenge-based learning; establishment of a virtual network for collaboration; and development of a sustainable model for all of San Diego County. The project is using culturally relevant strategies and social learning networks as a communication tool, with an emphasis on disadvantaged students in San Diego County, especially the large population of Hispanics. Students are presenting their work in several local STEM-related community events. The research findings are contributing to the current literature regarding engagement in challenge-based programs, especially in comparing how out of school experiences compare with formal school settings in the areas of career choice, post secondary choice, and success in STEM disciplines. The research is using a quasi-experimental design with both quantitative and qualitative data. The products include online learning modules and a model for a bilingual STEM Career Fair Night. An attractive feature of the project that could be transformative is a model organizational structure in which a relatively small organization, San Diego Science Alliance, provides coordination, communication, and inspiration that marshal the STEM education efforts of a large number of bigger institutions across a major urban area. This structure is leveraging and maximizing the local resources efficiently and effectively. The model is being made available to be replicated in other large cities with similar resources.