Exploring STEM Careers Initiative

该项目正在创建一个可复制的、基于社区的原型模式，让初中生和高中生参与基于挑战的项目，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。有一支志愿STEM专业人员队伍，他们正在指导老师和学生。这些目标包括提高6-12年级学生的积极性；使教师做好使用基于挑战的学习的准备；建立虚拟协作网络；以及为整个圣地亚哥县发展可持续的模式。该项目利用与文化相关的战略和社会学习网络作为一种交流工具，重点关注圣地亚哥县的弱势学生，特别是大量拉美裔学生。学生们在当地几个与STEM相关的社区活动中展示他们的工作。这些研究结果有助于当前关于参与基于挑战的项目的文献，特别是在比较校外经历与正规学校环境在职业选择、中学后选择和STEM学科成功方面的比较方面。本研究采用准实验设计，采用定量和定性相结合的研究方法。这些产品包括在线学习模块和双语STEM招聘会之夜的模型。该项目的一个吸引人的特点可能是具有变革性的是一种模范组织结构，在这种结构中，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，将大城市地区的大量较大机构的STEM教育努力整合在一起。这一结构有效地利用和最大限度地利用当地资源。该模式正被提供给拥有类似资源的其他大城市。

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.