Students, Teachers and Resources in the Sciences (STARS2): A USF-NSF Continuation GK-12 Project
The STARS2 GK-12 project aims at continuing engaging graduate students in reinvigorating science and engineering education at K-12 levels. The STARS2 project will support the infrastructure necessary to engage considerably more schools, K-5 students, and teachers based on the thematic focus of engineering, specifically, materials & nanotechnology. The innovative Science Summer Camp and Mentor Teacher Program, hallmarks of the STARS project will continue to be important components of STARS2. The key intellectual merits of the STARS2 program include: 1) development of instructional materials that represent a paradigm shift from learning fact-based science to understanding the underlying mathematics, engineering, and scientific principles, 2) development of a nanoscale thinking through the exploration of scientific phenomena at the molecular level needed to create the scientific workforce of the 21st century, 3) development of a core group of science mentors who can serve as the nucleus for growth in science education, and 4) development of an innovative 5-stage plan that serves as the building blocks for the planned activities of STARS2. Another significant innovation of the STARS2 project is the design and implementation of the successful theme based summer science camps. The broader impacts of STARS2 will continue to be manifested through a highly successful program for recruitment of the Fellows from a broad spectrum of underrepresented groups in STEM, and training them to blossom into highly skilled educators, communicators, team players, and societal contributors.
