Undergraduate summer field programs are valuable experiences that can foster or reduce students' self-efficacy, an important factor in students' success and retention in geoscience. Growing research findings show that science field experiences can be hostile and unwelcoming to students with marginalized identities, which may negatively impact…

This qualitative evaluative study explores the views of two science club advisor/educators of an active 122-member rural high school science club program that is thriving in spite of increasingly busy student schedules, decreasing school budgets, and a demanding standardized curriculum. It is essential to understand the teacher-advisors'…

Encouraging nonprofessionals to participate in ecological research through citizen science programs is a recent innovation and an effective strategy for gathering ecological information across broad geographical areas. In this paper, we demonstrate how reporting field-based observations through eBird, a citizen-based birding and data-recording…

Describes the National Association of Geology Teachers and the United States Geological Survey's Cooperative Summer Field Training Program. Reviews its origins, eligibility requirements, nomination and selection criteria, and includes summaries of participant evaluation of the 1985 program. (ML)

Describes the Semester at Sea Program of the Institute for Shipboard Education in which over 20,000 college students have participated over the past 30 years. The ship's geologist/geographer presented geological briefings in a daily interdisciplinary core course during 60 days at sea. He also guided field trips during 43 days ashore. Visits to…

Addresses how to encourage and sustain high school students' interest in science. Evaluates the Earthwatch Institute's Student Challenge Awards Program, an apprenticeship program which allows students to work on authentic research projects. Concludes the program had a profound impact on the students' understanding of and affinity for science. (PM)

This article describes a project that involved two groups of able students (ages 11-14) identified by teachers to work on problems set by two local industries. The project was designed to enrich the curriculum by developing problem solving skills and understanding of the application of science and technology in industry. (CR)

Significant Opportunities in Atmospheric Research and Science (SOARS), a summer program to increase minority representation in the science community, particularly atmospheric research, is described. An American Indian participant discusses the connection between modern science and traditional Native heritage, noting that observation of the natural…

Describes the Museum Research Apprenticeship Program (MRAP) for high school students at the Natural History Museum in Los Angeles. Participating students learn scientific research methods and have a unique opportunity to work with scientists in the museum and in the field. Offers tips to teachers for designing apprenticeship programs locally with…

Describes a full day of chemistry fun and competition for high school chemistry students. Notes teams have five students from each high school. Lists five competitive events for each team: titration, qualitative analysis, balancing equations, general chemistry quiz, and quantitative analysis with atomic absorption spectroscopy. (MVL)