Learn More: become informed about STEM education reform and research-based recommendations of specific ways for scientists to become involved and make an impact on the current state of STEM education.

1. Learn about research on and successful methods for systemic improvement of science education programs
2. Learn about how scientist involvement in STEM reform positively impacts the state of STEM education and its stakeholders
3. Learn about the different possible roles for scientists and engineers to play in STEM reform and the best practices for enhancing the impact of outreach efforts on participant interest and achievement
4. Learn about strategies that scientists and engineers can implement or advocate in order to reduce barriers to involvement in outreach efforts

Learn about research on and successful methods for systemic improvement of science education programs.

• Successful science education reform draws on research and lessons learned from past programs. Resources and references on the topic provide background information and context for reform efforts.
  • How Students Learn
  • A Private Universe 
  • Science for All Children
  • NSRC Webinar on the state of science education in the US
  • Improving Student Achievement in Science” Brochure
  • “Changing the Course of Science Education” White Paper 
  •  Ensuring Workforce Skills of the Future: The Birth to Work Pipeline White Paper
  • Studies of Student Achievement 
  • List of book resources on Education Research, Standards, Education Reform, Professional Development and Assessment

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• Case studies of successful programs indicate that support from scientists and engineers contributes to the successful implementation of new programs for STEM reform in schools (From Science for All Children)

  • Pasadena, California (Pasadena Develops a Model for Teacher-Scientist Partnerships)

    • The success of Pasadena Unified School District’s Science Program was largely enhanced by the involvement of scientists and engineers, who work as co-facilitators to train science teachers in the use of class modules and model the scientific thought process
  • San Francisco, California (A University Works Collaboratively with a City School District)
    • In order to successfully implement the City Science classroom program, San Francisco Unified School District teachers were paired with UC San Francisco scientists, who helped train the teachers in the use of science modules.
• Research indicates that scientist and engineer involvement with outreach is beneficial for all groups involved: students, teacher partners, and scientists and engineers themselves
  • Figure 1: Perceived Outcomes of STEM Faculty Involvement on Teachers, Students, and Faculty (Based on Case Study Projects) (Taken from Effect of STEM Faculty Engagement in MSP—A Longitudinal Perspective: A Year 4 RETA Report. Prepared by Westat, May 2008, for the National Science Foundation.)
  • Figure 2: Five Categories of Positive Impacts for Scientists Involved with Educational Partnerships (Adapted from: Busch, A.K., and Tanner, K.D. (2008). Utilizing K-12 Science Education Partnerships to Develop Better Science Scientists: Integrating Pedagogy and Partnership Experiences into Graduate Science Training. National Association for Research in Science Teaching Annual Meeting, conference presentation, Baltimore, MD; April 2008.)
  • Figure 3: Positive Impacts for High School Students Receiving Telementoring Advice from Scientists (Adapted from: O’Neill, K., Polman, J. (2004). Why Educate “Little Scientists?” Examining the Potential of Practice-Based Scientific Literacy. J. Research in Science Teaching. 41.3, 234-266. For article abstract: http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/107630357/abstract.)
• For comprehensive summary of the impact of scientist and engineer involvement in outreach, refer to the NSRC “Communication Piece on Scientist and Engineer Involvement”

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Learn about the different possible roles for scientists and engineers to play in STEM reform and the best practices for enhancing the impact of outreach efforts on participant interest and achievement

• Research indicates that scientists and engineers can become successfully involved with reform efforts in a number of different capacities 
• Research indicates that a number of misconceptions that scientists and engineers may hold regarding education can stand in the way of successful outreach efforts. 
• Research on scientist and engineer involvement indicates best practices for scientists to consider in different roles. 
• A number of different organizations offer resources addressing different possible roles for scientists and engineers to play and recommendations for successful ways to act in these roles.

Learn about strategies that scientists and engineers can implement or advocate in order to reduce barriers to involvement in outreach efforts

• Research reveals a number of motivating and limiting factors for scientist and engineer involvement with outreach efforts.
• Research indicates a number of strategies that can be implemented, both within institutions and with regards to personal efforts, in order to overcome the common challenges of engaging scientists in outreach.
• Case studies of scientists and engineers involved with outreach indicate specific ways that individuals can overcome challenges to become involved with outreach. These studies also convey their perspectives on what is gained through involvement.