This document discusses engaging youth in STEM through afterschool programs. It imagines a place where youth can learn and have fun solving real-world problems in teams. Effective afterschool STEM activities gain new knowledge, apply existing knowledge creatively, and work towards goals in a group. Such programs can promote science learning, youth development, and career opportunities to help underrepresented groups. Hands-on, project-based learning outside the classroom can spark interest in science and help youth discover their potential.
3. +
Imagine a place where…
Free and reduced lunches are provided,
snacks are distributed,
physical activity is encouraged onsite.
4. +
Imagine a place where…
Individuality, creativity, leadership,
critical thinking, social skills, and ability
to learn from mistakes are as valuable
as book smarts.
5. +
Imagine a place where…
Participants choose their own projects,
their projects are relevant to their
communities,
and they work together on teams to solve
problems they care about.
6. +
Imagine a place where…
Participants expect to have fun…
and if they don’t, they vote with their feet.
8. +BGCA High-Yield Activities
Gain new knowledge or skills; or reinforce
something they’ve learned in school.
Experience new ways to apply existing knowledge.
Engage in creative expression.
Test their own solutions to real-world issues.
Work in groups to achieve a goal.
18. +
Question—
Q: Do girls report that their parents would like
them to be actresses or engineers?
A: Twice as many girls say their parents
encourage them to be actresses over those
that say engineers
19. +
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Women
Latino/Hispanic
African American
STEM jobs
Workforce
Under-represented in STEM
22. +
True or False?
Highly accomplished scientists and
engineers (including Nobel Prize
winners) often cite experiences
outside of the classroom as being
influential.
TRUE!
23. +
True or False
Boys take more high school
math and science classes and
have higher math and science
GPA’s than girls.
FALSE!
24. +
True or False
Grades in science and math classes are
the best way to predict who will become
a scientist.
FALSE! Interest in science in 8th grade
is a better predictor.
Tai et al. 2006
53. +
Scientific Thinking and Process Skills
Observing
Communicating
Comparing/measuring
Ordering
Categorizing
Relating
Inferring
Applying http://www1.cyfernet.org/prog/schl/science/
4h590.html
Science Guidelines for Nonformal
Education
Carlson and Maxa 1997 4H
54. +
BGCA High-Yield Activities
Gain new knowledge or skills; or reinforce
something they’ve learned in school.
Experience new ways to apply existing
knowledge.
Engage in creative expression.
Test their own solutions to real-world issues.
Work in groups to achieve a goal.
Elementary Teachers40%: <1hr per week13%: <30 min per week
References:Department of Commerce ESA Issue Brief #04-11 Aug 2011(2) National Academy of Sciences: Expanding Underrepresented Minority Participation: America'sScience and Technology Talent at the Crossroads 2011
True
Engaging, fun, leaves you with questions, intentional, audience in mind