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Physiology Understanding Week: Developing a national outreach program
Author(s) -
Limson Mel,
Lakes Matyas Marsha
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.23.1_supplement.633.12
Subject(s) - outreach , formative assessment , medical education , planner , event (particle physics) , psychology , medicine , computer science , mathematics education , political science , physics , quantum mechanics , programming language , law
Physiology Understanding (PhUn) Week is the annual APS member‐based outreach program that fosters partnerships between physiologists and K‐12 teachers. PhUn Week seeks to increase student awareness of physiology in their lives and to introduce them to physiology as a possible career. The successful development of the program models how formative evaluation is instrumental. Pilot tests in 2005 concentrated on select APS members and teachers committed to the new initiative. The program was moderately expanded in 2006 by doubling the targeted numbers of participants. Formative assessment in this phase helped design a program website ( www.PhUnWeek.org ) with downloadable resources, including event planner forms, instructional materials, and career presentations. Planning partners and their teams adapt the models of outreach and develop innovative activities. After pilot testing for feasibility, the program was nationally launched in 2007. More than 3,000 students, 72 teachers, and 100 APS members participated in 32 events across 24 states and Puerto Rico. The program website has facilitated the processes for coordinating a PhUn Week event. The early years of the program have seeded a base of volunteers that continues to build momentum for the participation of other physiologists and teachers. The APS sponsors and funds the outreach program since conception with additional support from ADInstruments.