The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Building STEM Education Pipelines." Contents include: (1) IDRA Youth TechXperts…

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) instruction in the United States has been a major focus of educational reform since the release of the PISA rankings in 2000, which showed that the U.S. was behind many other countries on the international stage in the areas of Science and Math. Students are also leaving the "STEM…

The NASA Goddard STEAM Innovation Laboratory is a Makerspace approach to bringing NASA's universe of knowledge into educational spaces around the country and to increase scientific literacy and interest in STEAM careers. Through a series of stations specializing in virtual reality, electronics, mobile sensors and 3-D fabrication, we have succeeded…

The Institute for Research in Schools (IRIS) was set up to give science students the opportunity to work on cutting-edge research projects. Teachers and students can access data and equipment that enable them to tackle real-life issues. As a result, not only do students gain in confidence and experience in their scientific work, they are also able…

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'…

The underrepresentation of girls and students of color in STEM fields, particularly in science, is an ongoing issue that is very well documented. There is a limited amount of research that provides insight on experiences of girls, especially girls of color, who have been exposed to authentic science experiences. This article interrogates the…

The case study investigation reported here assessed California 4-H professionals' understanding of the essential components of effective 4-H Science programming as established by the National 4-H Science Mission Mandate. Using the 4-H Science Checklist as the basis for defining 4-H Science Readiness, academic and program staff were surveyed and…

Quality science programs extend well beyond the classroom or school yard. A local shoreline is a great place for inquiry-based "science activities". Students can explore seaweed clumps, conduct a gull census, or implement an investigation of their own design.

Synthesizes literature on apprenticeship learning, the sociology of science, and K-12 science education to develop a set of characteristics for designing/evaluating participatory science learning experiences. Clarifies and illuminates the value of these characteristics for science educators by using them as evaluative criteria for characterizing…

Recounts the unique partnership in science instruction developed between Nassau and Suffolk County (New York) schools and the Bronx Zoo to provide educational experiences for handicapped and mentally retarded students. Discussion focuses on a five-phase program developed for 200 elementary secondary students from Rosemary Kennedy Center through…

Describes an interpretive program designed to generate excitement about natural resources in teens. Teens are involved in everyday routines at the preserve to instill a sense of stewardship. Repetition reinforces the importance of these tasks for the preserve. Examples of projects include bird census work, stream sampling, and exotic plant…

Describes a 3-day program sponsored by the Orange County Marine Institute that provides biological, cultural, and historical learning experiences. Discusses the setting and activities of the five ecosystems explored by the students. The Chaparral to Ocean Science Camp includes chaparral, riparian, woodland, intertidal, and pelagic environments.…

Provided is a description of a volunteer program that offers experience to premedical college students through working in a large hospital. The volunteer experience is followed by the nursing assistant training program. The benefits of both are discussed. (Author/SA)

Describes how a science challenge program was modeled after the Olympics to offer a variety of science events in a competitive setting. Reviews organizational factors, suggests sources for events, and identifies rules and scoring procedures. (ML)

Offers suggestions for the development of a laboratory assistant program. Includes guidelines and factors to consider in the selection process and in the training program. Discusses the advantages of this type of program for both students and teachers. (ML)