Programs for K-12 Students

Our Fellows and Scholars are the cornerstones of this activity. We find that they are able to effectively share their involvement and excitement in science by being a role model (putting a face to science). They also gain personally by learning how to communicate at different levels for different audiences. Our goals in this program parallel NASA's Strategic Plan for Education.

Special demonstration by Brown Laboratory Physicist Dean Hudek (lying on bed of nails with cinder block on chest), assisted by Manager of Demonstrations Jerry Zani (with sledge hammer). Classes are welcome to arrange for a visit to Brown for Physics demonstration. E-mail Dean Hudek for information. Fee involved.

The Teacher Partnership Program (classroom science visits)

Links undergraduate and graduate college students, (from a variety of science and engineering disciplines) who are funded by Space Grant, with pre-college students through classroom visits, presentations, and hands-on exercises through this program each year we average 200 classroom presentations and have face-to-face contact with about 6000 children.

Science en Español (SEE) Program

A Bilingual Science Education Program developed with the input of teachers from local bilingual classes. Brings science to inner-city bilingual and Spanish-speaking children by developing a program of classroom visits to, and joint projects with, bilingual at the elementary and middle school levels. Depends on yearly Fellow/Scholar selection.

Special Focus Projects

With teacher-input we have offered a range of one-topic workshops and short-courses for individual schools and classrooms in communities all over Rhode Island.

For example, an after-school science club in one school planned an entire Mars mission with the weekly visits of our engineering and geo/bio fellows.

One of several mini-courses we designed was requested by a teacher for the entire 6th grade of her school on using math to solve real science problems.

High-tech, space-related topics are used as focused projects for high school students and special short courses for middle school children. These science problems spark students' interest and enthusiasm, which is particularly important during those most vulnerable years when interest in science drastically decreases.

One of our most ambitious special projects was a 4 year association with all 20 elementary schools of the Warwick RI Public School System and their science and art teachers on an annual "Space Poster Contest". Science testing scores for children in the Warwick elementary schools increased by an unprecedented 11 points since the start of active involvement by the RI Space Grant Program in using space and art to teach science.