Programming Where the Kids Are: An Informal STEM Series at Day Camps to Improve Attitudes toward Science and Engineering

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Programming Where the Kids Are: An Informal STEM Series at Day Camps to Improve Attitudes toward Science and Engineering
Language: English
Authors: Mitch Mason, Kristy L. Ouellette, Sarah Sparks
Source: Journal of STEM Outreach. 2018 1(1).
Availability: Journal of STEM Outreach. PMB 0367, 230 Appleton Place, Nashville, TN 37203. e-mail: jstemoutreach@vanderbilt.edu; Web site: https://www.jstemoutreach.org/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 11
Publication Date: 2018
Sponsoring Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) (USDA)
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Grade 3
Primary Education
Grade 4
Intermediate Grades
Grade 5
Middle Schools
Grade 6
Descriptors: Informal Education, Day Camp Programs, Student Attitudes, Extension Agents, Youth Programs, Child Development, Grade 3, Grade 4, Grade 5, Grade 6, Elementary School Science, STEM Education, Summer Science Programs, Youth, Partnerships in Education
Geographic Terms: Maine
ISSN: 2576-6767
Abstract: 4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension and has identified Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as a national priority. Conducting STEM education during summer months for hard to reach youth can be a challenge. However, it is during summer when vulnerable students most often experience learning loss. During the summers of 2016-17, 4-H in Maine taught STEM lessons at local day camps ran by an experienced, nationally recognized youth development organization. An average of 214 youth in grades 3-6 participated weekly over the two summers. Lessons were created or assembled by University of Maine staff, delivered by college interns, and evaluated by faculty. Day campers were surveyed about their experience and feedback data were obtained from program partners and college interns to create formative and summary results. This paper describes the successes and challenges of the two year process to deliver quality STEM programs where the kids are.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2025
Accession Number: EJ1457726
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:4-H is the youth development program of the Cooperative Extension and has identified Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) as a national priority. Conducting STEM education during summer months for hard to reach youth can be a challenge. However, it is during summer when vulnerable students most often experience learning loss. During the summers of 2016-17, 4-H in Maine taught STEM lessons at local day camps ran by an experienced, nationally recognized youth development organization. An average of 214 youth in grades 3-6 participated weekly over the two summers. Lessons were created or assembled by University of Maine staff, delivered by college interns, and evaluated by faculty. Day campers were surveyed about their experience and feedback data were obtained from program partners and college interns to create formative and summary results. This paper describes the successes and challenges of the two year process to deliver quality STEM programs where the kids are.
ISSN:2576-6767