ERIC Number: EJ1457737
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2018
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-2576-6767
Improving Access to Hands-On STEM Education Using a Mobile Laboratory
William H. Roden; Rebecca A. Howsmon; Rebecca A. Carter; Mark Ruffo; Amanda L. Jones
Journal of STEM Outreach, v1 n2 2018
Schools often have limited resources to devote to science education, which can impact student interest in and preparedness for careers in STEM. Seattle Children's Research Institute created the Science Adventure Lab, a mobile laboratory program, to support and enrich science education at low-resource schools and stimulate interest in science and pursuing a career in STEM. The mobile laboratory provides students with the unique opportunity to fully immerse themselves in authentic, hands-on science learning with scientists. This limits the burden on school resources and reduces disruptions to daily schedules since students do not leave their schools. These positive science experiences at an early age allow students to learn important science concepts and have the potential to significantly impact students' interest in pursuing STEM careers. In this report we describe our mobile laboratory, operating model, and curriculum, as well as the positive impacts, strengths, and challenges of the approach as a resource for other groups who may wish to use a similar strategy for STEM education outreach.
Descriptors: Access to Education, STEM Education, Science Laboratories, Mobile Classrooms, Student Interests, Hands on Science, Urban Schools, Elementary Secondary Education, Rural Schools, Outreach Programs
Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Washington
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A