Critical pedagogy of place to enhance ecological engagement activities
Abstract: Scientists in higher education institutions around the globe recognize the importance of engaging with public stakeholders to share their enthusiasm, explain their science, and encourage primary and secondary students to enter the sciences. However, without direct consideration of students’ and teachers’ perspectives and interests, scientists may design activities around their own goals, limiting the...
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I will survive: Teachers reflect on motivations to remain in education amidst a global pandemic
Abstract: As the pandemic began to disrupt school systems in March 2020, teachers were expected to quickly modify their instructional approaches. We recruited science, technology, engineering, and mathematics teachers who were recipients of National Science Foundation scholarships based on their high-quality academic record and commitment to working in high-needs school districts to participate in a...
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Building searchable community databases with WordPress
This panel discussed how to best use WordPress to create searchable databases that provide value to your institution and community and take your website from a brochure site to an interactive tool. Panelists discussed four different WordPress-powered databases created by the Colorado State University STEM Center and Colorado-Wyoming Alliance for Minority Participation, which allow students,...
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Exploring the long-term academic and career impacts of undergraduate research in geoscience: A case study
Abstract: Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) have been shown to facilitate students’ pursuit of graduate studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including geoscience. Less is known about why or how UREs have a lasting impact on participants, particularly through graduate school and into careers. Furthermore, few studies have captured the views...
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Prefiguring Sustainability through Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates: Reflections and Recommendations for Student Development
Abstract: PAR-based UREs are undergraduate research experiences (UREs)—built into university-community partnerships—that apply principles of participatory action research (PAR) towards addressing community-defined challenges. In this paper, we advance PAR-based UREs as an action-oriented framework through which higher education institutions can simultaneously enact and advance the United Nations sustainable development agenda, while cultivating student development. We draw upon...
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Linking Biophysical, Socioeconomic, and Political Effects of Climate Change on Agro-Ecosystems
Abstract: To meet the sustainability challenges of the future, we need leaders who are trained to work well in diverse, multidisciplinary teams and a populace that understands the biophysical and socioeconomic challenges facing humanity and how to meet the needs of its diverse stakeholders. With a goal of increasing climate literacy amongst college students, we...
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Who produces knowledge? Transforming undergraduate students’ views of science through participatory action research
Abstract: Undergraduate research experiences (UREs) that include interdisciplinary, engagement‐oriented, and collaborative experiences have the potential to benefit students in unique ways. Through these innovative experiences, students are able to see the social impact and importance of their work—a factor known to strengthen the academic and career persistence of students traditionally underrepresented in science, technology, engineering,...
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Toward Meaningful Interdisciplinary Education: High School Teachers’ Views of Mathematics and Science Integration
Abstract: Numerous national initiatives call for interdisciplinary mathematics and science education, but few empirical studies have examined practical considerations for integrated instruction in high school settings. The purpose of this qualitative study was twofold. First, the study sought to describe how and to what extent teachers integrate mathematics and science curricula in their classrooms after...
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Student Perceptions of Interest, Learning, and Engagement from an Informal Traveling Science Museum
Abstract: Informal Science Education (ISE) programs have been increasing in popularity in recent years. The National Research Council has laid out six strands that ISE programs should try to address, including increasing interest, knowledge, and allowing participants to engage in scientific activities. Past research suggests that informal settings can increase interest in science and may...
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Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates
Abstract: We present a new conceptual model situating research experiences for undergraduates within a context of participatory action research. The purpose of the theoretically grounded Participatory Action Research Experiences for Undergraduates (PAREU) model is to act as a second year addition to traditional, lab-based research experiences where undergraduate science students, social science experts, and community...
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