Science on Patrol (SOP), a demonstration project of the Institute for Schools of the Future and the Police Athletic League in collaboration with the Manhattan Robbery Squad, the Crime Scene Unit, the Arson and Explosion Squad and other units of the New York City Police Department Detective Division, selected New York City public schools, community outreach organizations, science professionals and database and Web designers, is designed to promote interest and achievement in science by providing youngsters compelling problems ('crimes') they can solve by applying the scientific processes and skills actually used by crime scene investigators to solve crimes. This approach capitalizes on the interest in high profile crimes treated in the popular press, movies and current television programs. The informal science project is aimed squarely at raising the level of participation and achievement in science for adolescent females and other members of underrepresented minority groups by achieving thee goals:
1. using research-based strategies to attract and retain underrepresented minorities, particularly females, in informal science programs; 2. increasing their interest and achievement in science knowledge and skills; and 3. raising their awareness and interest in science-based careers.
This project will roll out through an existing structure, PAL centers in the Bronx in Year One, in PAL centers throughout New York City in Year Two and in PAL centers across the country in Year Three. Interdisciplinary teams comprising PAL center instructors, educators, police detectives, instructional designers, and scientists will work collaboratively to: (1) develop, field test and revise a minimum of 12 crime scenarios for the youngsters to solve; (2) develop additional course materials, including a Facilitator's Guide, the Science on Patrol website, a Student Activities Kits which include case folders for each of the 'crimes', and a manual for mentors and/or volunteers; (3) increase the participants' capacity to apply science knowledge and processes to solve real world problems; and, (4) build the capacity of faculty to implement compelling and challenging problems in environments that are gender-neutral, promote collaboration, encourage problem-solving and reflect both research and best practice for increasing participation and achievement in science-based areas.
Decades of research on the root causes and outcomes of the under representation of females in mathematics, science and technology have amply demonstrated that the culture and context of K-16 schooling clearly lies at the heart of the issue. Yet the literature shows the very factors that constrain participation and achievement of females and other underrepresented minorities in higher levels of mathematics and science are alterable.
Science on Patrol is an innovative project that links science knowledge and skills with the real world applications of forensic specialists in a highly motivating course of study for middle and high school students. The key element, however, is the comprehensive use of research-based findings to shape learning environments specifically designed to attract and retain females and other underrepresentedminorities to advanced study of science and science-related careers. Science on Patrol does not single out specific research-based factors that promote success for female and other underrepresented minorities. Instead, it integrates all in an integrated and coherent manner to create learning environments that are friendly to the target population. Information about the culture and context of these learning environments will be disseminated broadly and serve as a model for other informal science efforts and for school-based K-16 classrooms.
