Schools and University Partnerships Program: Bridging the Real-World Science, Scientist Experiences, and Science Classrooms

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 3
  In Roundtable Session: Recognizing and Developing Educators' Expertise Through School, University, and Community Partnerships

Abstract

This study examined school university partnerships where university science majors serve as role models for middle school students to increase interest and engagement in science. We call these university students as Scientists as Role Models and Mentors (SRM2). SRM2 share their research and introduce applications of science in the real world by designing science educational videos and share with middle school students. This research study primarily examined how students from rural and urban schools responded and engaged with SRM2; secondly, what was the teacher perception about such school-university partnerships in supporting middle school students' interest and engagement in science. The middle school students were highly engaged in this partnership and overall, the teachers and students had positive perceptions about SRM2.

Authors

• Sharmila Pathikonda, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Rafael Lara-Alecio, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Beverly J. Irby, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Bhagyashree Barhate, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Fuhui Tong, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Cindy Lynn Guerrero, Texas A&M University - College Station