Breaking Barriers: Health Science Education in Native American Communities

描述（由申请人提供）： 内布拉斯加大学医学中心（UNMC）将与阿伯丁地区部落主席健康委员会（AATCHB）合作，与内布拉斯加州和南达科他州的部落学校合作，并与一所城市小学合作开发，实施和评估针对K-8年级美国原住民学生的健康科学课程。该项目的长期目标是促进学生对健康科学的兴趣，培养更多的科学素养的公众，并最终增加进入健康职业的美国原住民人数。该项目的关键是开发健康科学教育模块，为教师提供适合年龄的实践活动和课堂使用的材料。为了进一步吸引学生的兴趣，课程将调整材料，以提供文化榜样。教师将在开发这些单元时得到投入，并在夏季讲习班期间接受使用这些单元的培训。远程学习活动、基于网络的公告板和项目人员的访问将为教师提供持续的专业发展。学生的参与将通过在当地设置的暑期科学营扩大。学生和教师所做的工作将在每个部落地区的年度健康博览会和Powwows上展示。在课堂之外接触家长和社区是该项目成功的关键。社区教育计划将旨在促进健康并增加对临床试验过程的了解。将在所有阶段进行专业评估，主要重点是评估教育和社区影响。研究技术将包括基线和后措施的态度和主题内容，参与者评估问卷，学生回顾性预测试。促进美洲原住民社区的健康是该项目各个方面的最终目标。改善健康科学教学和提高对健康职业的认识将鼓励学生进入这些职业，并希望将他们的技能带回社区。增加健康科学主题知识的公共宣传将促进更好的个人健康决策，并提高对临床研究益处的认识。

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) will partner with the Aberdeen Area Tribal Chairmen's Health Board (AATCHB), with tribal schools in Nebraska and South Dakota, and with an urban elementary school to develop, implement and evaluate health science curriculum targeting Native American students grades K-8. The long term goals of this project are to promote student interest in the health sciences, foster a more science literate public, and ultimately to increase the number of Native Americans entering health careers. Key to the project will be the development of health science educational modules which will provide teachers with hands-on, age-appropriate activities and materials for classroom use. To further engage student interest, the curriculum will adapt materials to provide cultural role models. Teachers will have input in the development of the modules and be trained in their use during summer workshops. Distance learning activities, web based bulletin boards and visits by program personnel will provide ongoing professional development for the teachers. Student participation will be expanded through summer science camps in local settings. Work done by students and teachers will be showcased during annual health fairs and Powwows in each tribal region. Reaching beyond the classroom to parents and communities is critical to the success of this project. Community education programs will be designed to promote health and increase understanding of the clinical trials process. Professional evaluations will be made at all stages, with major emphasis being placed on evaluating the educational and community impact. Research techniques will include baseline and post measures of attitudes and subject content, participant evaluation questionnaires, and student retrospective pretests. Advancing the health of Native American communities is the ultimate aim of every aspect of this project. Improved health science teaching and heightened awareness of health careers will encourage students to enter these careers and hopefully bring their skills back to their communities. Public outreach that increases knowledge of health science topics will promote better personal health decisions and create awareness of the benefits of clinical research.