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Cost‐effective middle school summer camps build the science pipeline
Author(s) -
Wyss J Michael,
Radford David,
Ginwright Shriley,
Lockhart Jarrod,
Williams Mary,
Latner J. Bree,
Chase Melissa,
Steele Taylor,
Wyss Steven A,
Yang Jerry
Publication year - 2010
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.24.1_supplement.632.4
Subject(s) - summer camp , poverty , medical education , science education , mathematics education , economic shortage , curriculum , psychology , medicine , pedagogy , political science , developmental psychology , linguistics , philosophy , government (linguistics) , law
To provide students (especially minority students) enrichment activities that will lead to an increased understanding of biology and interest in careers in biomedical science, we developed and evaluated CORD Summer Science Camps, which greatly enhance the interest and performance of participants in science education. Camps increased from 178 students (5 camps, 5 wks each; 2005) to nearly 500 students (6 camps, 5 wks each; 2009). All camps relate biological science lessons to the grade‐specific physical, biological and earth science the students encounter the next school year. In each 1‐wk (40h) camp, students conduct different hands‐on experiments and learn to analyze and present the results to their parents at camp's end. ~70% of campers are minority, urban student (50% live below the poverty line); 30% are from privileged schools. This integrates students across socio‐economic strata in science education. ~75% of area middle school teachers who gain professional training as Camp Facilitators use camp experiences in classrooms. Campers and teachers become more confident in hands‐on science and leaders in their classrooms. About 75% of the campers return for subsequent years and indicate increased interest in science careers (38% pre‐ vs. 76% post‐camp). We are assessing the impact of camps on standardized science scores. Camps are relatively cost effective, sustainable methods to build the biology pipeline.