Track 1: Enhancing Diversity in the Geosciences: Mentoring and Research Modeling for Middle School and University Students

南卡罗来纳州州立大学（SCSU）将与COSEE SE、南卡罗来纳州自然资源部-海洋资源研究所（MRRI）、NOAA Hollings海洋实验室（HML）和奥兰治堡国家鱼类孵化场（ONFH）合作，为中学生提供海洋科学方面的研究经验。该项目的目标是让来自传统上在STEM领域代表性不足的社区的中学生参与海洋科学的实践经验，并通过对海洋科学设施的实地访问和少数民族本科生的指导，采用科学的调查方法。在与中学生合作的过程中，将在中学教师、地球科学高等教育专业人员和地球科学研究人员之间建立一个网络。据设想，这种多层次的指导和研究经验的模式将改变中学和本科生的职业生涯在地球科学的重要性和可达性的看法。预计该项目将涉及60名来自少数民族学校的中学生、10名来自南加州大学的少数民族本科生和5名中学教师。

South Carolina State University (SCSU) will collaborate with COSEE SE, SC Department of Natural Resource- Marine Resources Research Institute (MRRI), NOAA Hollings Marine Laboratory (HML), and the Orangeburg National Fish Hatchery (ONFH) to develop a research experience for middle school students in the ocean sciences. The goal of this project is to engage middle school students from communities traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields with hands-on experiences in ocean sciences and the scientific method of inquiry using site visits to ocean science facilities and mentoring by minority undergraduate students. In the process of working with the middle school students, a network will be built between middle school teachers, geosciences higher education professionals and geosciences researchers. It is envisioned that this model for a multilevel mentoring and research experience will change the middle school and undergraduate students' perceptions of the importance and attainability of careers in the geosciences. The project is anticipated to involve 60 middle school students from a predominately minority schools, 10 minority undergraduate students from SCSU, and 5 middle school teachers.