Thursday, August 5, 2010 - 9:00 AM

OOS 42-4: SUNY GK-12

Richard Beal, SUNY- College of Environmental Science and Forestry

Background/Question/Methods The ESF Science Corps embodies State University of New York College of Environmental Science Forestry's Vision 2020: A Better World through Environmental Discovery. The Science Corps supports campus-based, in-school, workplace and field-based STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) learning and professional development experiences for middle and high school students and teachers, with a focus on sustainability. Established by a National Science Foundation GK12 grant in 2003, ESF undergraduate and graduate students, staff, alumni, faculty, and other volunteers comprise the Science Corps. Members are front line role models for students whose academic and career plans are emerging.

Results/Conclusions

Current Science Corps efforts include ESF SCIENCE, the NSF GK12 project, and the Environmental Challenge science fair. The ESF Science Corps also contributes to the ESF in the High School program. Efforts are undertaken in partnership with urban, suburban and rural schools as well as numerous public, private and non-profit organizations. In addition, Science Corps members serve the greater Syracuse community through their involvement in a variety of environmental outreach and educational programs, such as outdoor festivals and K-12 events.

Efforts to sustain the Science Corps training and community activities after GK12 funding include the establishment of:

1. Two variable credit seminars on Teaching and Outreach in which students do service learning projects related to their STEM research in the community

2. An Outreach brand name that attracts additional funding from State and private partners

3. A Volunteer Science Corps


See more of OOS 42 - Training the Next Generation of Ecologists: How Universities Are Doing It
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See more of The 95th ESA Annual Meeting (August 1 -- 6, 2010)