When it comes to external leadership in the area of science, technology, engineering and mathematics I have to admit that I have not taken a lot of initiative to promote or lead. We have a great program in the area that is run be one of the other middle school teachers that incorporates summer school courses for all students interested in science. There are hands-on science activities, outdoor activities and robotics and electronic courses that get the students active and involved doing great labs and learning about the outdoors through camping and enrichment activities.
With those types of opportunities in mind we as a science department we also look for any college campuses or summer school opportunities provided by community members or local businesses that support working with students and providing learning experiences in the businesses such as 3M and the Minneapolis Children’s Science Museum that provide learning experiences and camps for young learners.
Hello Mark,
ReplyDeleteYour middle school definitely has a wonderful program going on. Our middle school has a grant for student to get a Head Start on science if they want it. Also, there are programs set up during the weekend that pays students who attend to learn about science if they want it. I keep saying if they want it, since it seems this is the major factor that impedes many of our students. The intrinsic desire for students to learn on their own time, instead of going out and having a good time with their friends, is a stiff competition. As educators we compete against a lot of external rewards that students give themselves. We enjoy creating learning groups in the classroom, which later turn into groups outside the classroom, and these are the very groups we have to compete with to learning science outside of the classroom. But I love your idea of looking for colleges or summer camps for our students that are interested.
Thanks, Adam