Science and Math Enrichment Program

PI: K. Bertram, Geophysical Institute, UAF
see also: http://www.arcticclimatemodeling.org/

The Science and Math Enrichment Program is an out-of-classroom experience designed to help Alaska Native students preparing to enter village high schools excel in math and science. In 2006, we brought more than 100 Alaska Native middle-school students accompanied by their chaperones and teachers from rural Alaska villages (Beaver, Brevig Mission, Chalkyitsik, Elim, Kaltag, Koyuk, Teller, Unalakleet, and White Mountain) to the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Three separate field trips were held in April, September, and October of 2006.

These students traveled from their villages to the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) to visit research institutes and participate in hands-on activities guided by scientists. At UAF, students visited a variety of active research facilities, each of which is a potential career opportunity for Alaska Native students. These research sites included: the International Arctic Research Center, where students learned about global climate change; the Geophysical Institute, which is world-renowned for its multi-disciplinary studies ranging from the center of Earth to the center of the sun; and Poker Flat Research Range, the only university-owned rocket range in the world. At Poker Flat, student launch models of meteorological rockets scientists used to study the weather. All lessons in the Science and Math Enrichment Program are based on recent geophysical research and on National Science Standards for middle-school students. While participating in hands-on activities, students learned how professionals use math and science skills to solve real-life problems in Alaska.

In addition, this project provides the opportunity for classroom teachers to interact with scientists and learn new hands-on lessons to incorporate into their classrooms. Middle-school teachers from each village accompanied students during the three-day enrichment program to receive training on how to incorporate current research into classroom lessons after returning to their classrooms.

While visiting research sites, participating middle-school students were introduced to university life, which is important because a majority of Alaska Native students from rural villages who enter college drop out during the first year due to unfamiliarity with their environment and problems adjusting to city life. Middle-school students participating in the Science and Math Enrichment Program worked in a variety of university classrooms and computer labs, ate at university cafeterias, played in university recreation centers, and participated in community activities associated with UAF. We believe this will encourage Alaska Native students to attend college and possibly pursue science degrees.

Data on student learning achieved after attending the field trip shows that the Science and Math Enrichment Experience was a great success. At UAF, 100% of tested students showed an overall improvement in scores between pre- and post-tests, and exhibited an overall average magnitude of improvement of 75%. Teachers from all villages reported that students who participated in the Science and Math Enrichment Program demonstrated an improvement in behavior patterns in school, after returning to their classrooms. Teachers also credit the program with increasing student interest in science fair participation.

Visiting Alaska Native students from rural communities testing an anemometer
and watching the thermometer during an experiment.

For more information contact:

Kathy Berry-Bertram
Office: WRRB 106D
Phone: 7798
Email: kathy.bertram@gi.alaska.edu