Full-Scale Development: STEM Guides: Building Coherent Infrastructure in Rural Communities

这项在缅因州进行的全面项目旨在为没有ISE场所的农村地区衍生和发展一种非正式科学学习的教育模式。如果该项目成功，它可以作为全国其他农村地区的榜样。目标群体是10-18岁的青年，努力的内容将因地而异。合作伙伴包括缅因州数学和科学联盟；4-H；科学图书馆的基石；缅因州大学EDC评估；以及当地工业。该项目将把该州划分为几个小区域，将被指定为迷你网络。每个迷你网络将有1000多名合格的学生、一名网络负责人、STEM导游和志愿者。地理区域将很小，因此面对面的互动将很容易。农村教育是这个国家的一个问题，既需要解决青年教育问题，也需要解决公共教育问题。通常，这些地区在许多方面都得不到足够的服务，包括正规教育和经济机会，导致居民陷入恶性循环。因此，这个项目基本上将是一个试点项目，以解决在全国范围内更广泛实施的问题。全州数千名年轻人将受到影响。10-18岁人口、社区和正规教育部门对非正式STEM学习的接触应体现在增强一般知识基础和学术进步上。

This full-scale project in Maine proposes to derive and develop an educational model for informal science learning in rural areas where ISE venues are non-existent. Should the project be successful, it could serve as a model for other rural areas in the Nation. The target group is youth 10-18 years of age and the content of the endeavor will vary based on the locality. Partners include the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance; 4-H; Cornerstones of Science libraries; the University of Maine, EDC for evaluation; and local industries.The project will divide the state into small areas that will be designated as mini-networks. Each mini-network will have more than 1000 eligible students, a network leader, STEM guides, and volunteers. The geographic area will be small so that face-to-face interactions will be facile. Each site mini-network) will derive its own emphases depending on local expertise and industries.Rural education is an issue in this country that needs solutions for both its youth education as well as its public education. Often these regions are underserved in many ways, including formal education and economic opportunities, leading to a vicious spiral for residents. So, this project will essentially be a pilot project to work out the issues for a broader implementation across the country. Several thousand youths will be impacted across the state. Exposure to the informal STEM learning should be reflected in enhancement of the general knowledge base and academic improvement among the 10-18 year old population, the communities, and the formal education sector.